Jagadeeswaran Appusamy

CETIRIZINE HCL 2nd GENERATION ANTIHISTAMINE Chemistry/Synonyms Cetirizine HCl occurs as a white to almost white, crystalline powder that is freely soluble in water. A 5% solution has a pH of 1.2 – 1.8. Cetirizine may also be known as: UCB-P071, P-071, cetirizina, cetirizini, cetirizin, ceterizino, or Zyrtec ®; many internationally registered trade names are available. Prescriber Highlights Oral, relatively non-sedating antihistamine Limited clinical experience in veterinary medicine; recommended dosages for dogs & cats vary widely but the drug appears well tolerated Potentially may cause vomiting, hypersalivation, or somnolence in small animals Expensive when compared to 1st generation antihistamines; generic products becoming available Uses/Indications Cetirizine is a H1 receptor blocking antihistamine agent that may be useful for the adjunctive treatment of histamine-mediated pruritic conditions in dogs or cats. Pharmacology/Actions Cetirizine, a

Analgesic Drugs in Animals--Why Animals are Different from People Veterinarians are familiar with the use of the various injectable analgesic drugs available in the hospital. Potent injectable opiates, alpha-2 agonists, local anesthetics, and other combinations are available to veterinarians. These drugs have improved treatment of acute pain. However, what can we do about treatment of chronic pain when injectable opiates are not practical? Cancer pain, back pain, osteoarthritis, and neuropathic pain are among the conditions requiring treatment at home. Post-operative pain treatment during recovery from surgery also may require medications administered by pet owners. NSAIDs are usually the first line of therapy, but some conditions may not be controlled by NSAIDs alone, and some patients may not tolerate NSAIDs because of adverse effects. What drugs are available for pet owners to administer out of the hospital, used in combination with other medications--including NSAIDs--or al

Drug Interactions in Animals: What Happens When We Mix Drugs? Veterinarians often administer combinations of drugs without considering possible interactions that may occur. Many interactions and incompatibilities are possible considering the vast number of drugs available that may be used in combination. Interactions can result in a lack of therapeutic effect or toxicity. A distinction should be made between drug interactions that occur in vitro (such as in a syringe or vial) from those that occur in vivo (in the patient). Veterinarians frequently mix drugs together in syringes, vials, or fluids before administration to animals. These in vitro reactions also have been called pharmaceutical interactions. A drug interaction of this nature may form a drug precipitate, a toxic product, or inactivate one of the drugs to unknowingly administer an ineffective compound. Compounding drugs that are incompatible may cause in vitro drug interactions. Drug interactions can also occur as