Pharmacology: Conquering the Basics of Drugs is an introductory level course designed for veterinary assistants and technicians who wish to increase, or refresh, their knowledge of pharmacology. Advanced receptionists wishing to further their education can also benefit from this course, as it addresses side effects of medications commonly dispensed, as well as contraindications.
This 6-week course examines the most common classes of drugs used in today's
veterinary practices. It begins with factors that affect drug absorption, routes of administration, and controlled drug considerations. Calculations and conversions are covered, along with antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anti-parasitic and antiviral drugs. Fluid therapy, anesthetics, analgesia, anticonvulsants, hormonal
drugs, and vaccines are included.
Upon completion of the course, the student will be able to:
- outline the Veterinarian-Client-Patient-Relationship and the 5 Rights of Drug Administration, and how it applies to dispensing drugs
- name the different routes of administration and explain injection considerations and concerns
- define systems of measurement and illustrate conversion between systems
- compare and contrast factors that affect drug absorption
- describe the role of the liver and kidneys when considering drug elimination
- calculate basic drug dosages
- list antimicrobial, antiviral and antifungal classes and discuss clinical uses and adverse side effects
- identify classes of antiparasitic drugs, commonly used ingredients in parasiticides, delivery methods, and common side effects
- name zoonotic parasites and evaluate effective treatments for each
- identify anti-inflammatory drugs, including NSAIDS and steroids, describe the mechanism of action, clinical uses, pre-screening measures and side effects
- list opioid drugs, describe the mechanism of action and adverse side effects
- describe principles, categories and types of fluid therapy
- list and describe the different classes of drugs used in anesthesia and analgesia
- compare and contrast drugs available to treat epilepsy
- outline the anatomy of the nervous system, explain how drugs affect the autonomic nervous system and the central nervous system, and list common side effects
- discuss respiratory, cardiac, gastrointestinal, and hormone drug usage and adverse side affects
- describe and compare vaccine types and explain vaccine induced adverse reactions
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