Jagadeeswaran Appusamy

Analgesics (Toxicity) NONSTEROIDAL ANTI-INFLAMMATORY DRUGS (NSAID) NSAID are the most commonly used class of human medications in the world. Due to their widespread availability and use, acute accidental ingestion of human NSAID in dogs and cats is quite common. Ibuprofen, aspirin, and naproxen are some of the most commonly encountered NSAID in pet animals. NSAID inhibit the enzyme cyclooxygenase (COX; also referred to as prostaglandin synthetase), blocking the production of prostaglandins (PG). It is believed that most NSAID act through COX inhibition, although they may also have other mechanisms of action. Ibuprofen , 2-(4-isobutylphenyl) propionic acid, is used for its anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, and analgesic properties in animals and humans. It is rapidly absorbed orally in dogs with peak plasma concentrations seen in 30 min to 3 hr. Presence of food can delay absorption and the time to reach peak plasma concentration. The mean elimination half-life is ∼ 4.6 hr.

Toxicities from Over-the-Counter Drugs Human drugs or nutritional supplements available without a prescription are known as over-the-counter (OTC) medications. Exposures to OTC drugs in pets can be accidental or intentional. A valid client-patient-veterinarian relationship must exist for veterinarians to recommend extra-label use of these drugs to their clients. Safety of most OTC drugs has not been determined in animals, as most are not approved for veterinary use by the FDA. Veterinarians should understand the potential risks of using OTC medications and communicate them to their clients. COLD AND COUGH MEDICATIONS (TOXICITY) ANTIHISTAMINES Antihistamines are H1-receptor antagonists that provide symptomatic relief of allergic signs caused by histamine release, including pruritus and anaphylactic reactions. They are also used as sedatives and antiemetics. Antihistamines belong to different classes and are categorized as first- or second-generation (also called non-seda