ANS 216 : Veterinary Pharmacology
This course covers the basic principles of pharmacology, including general drug types, dosage forms, drug administration, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics. Drug packaging, labeling, and dispensing are covered, as are record keeping for pharmacologic agents. The legal and ethical factors involved in handling pharmaceuticals are considered. Prescription notation and review of drug calculations are also included. The course surveys the many pharmacologic agents used in veterinary medicine, emphasizing the modes of action, indications, contraindications, methods of administration, and appropriate client communication for these agents. Pre-requisite(s): ANS 107 with a grade of C or better; MTH 119, MTH 131 or MTH 154 with a grade of C or better. (For Career Pathway, take MTH 154. For Transfer Pathway, take MTH 119 or MTH 131.) Three lecture hours per week. Gen. Ed. Competency met: Quantitative and Symbolic Reasoning.
Course Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
1. Describe common pharmaceuticals used for specific treatments in domestic animals.
2. Describe the principles of drug absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion.
3. Demonstrate proficiency at reading, filing, recording, and administration of topical, oral and injectable medication as prescribed and in accordance with FDA requirements.
4. Describe common drug toxicities and adverse drug reactions including signs or symptoms, appropriate treatment strategies, and methods of preventing toxicities or reactions.
5. Demonstrate accuracy in dosage calculation and preparation of pharmaceuticals.
6. Demonstrate adherence to the “Five Rights of Medication Administration” including patient, drug, dose, route, and time.
7. Interpret the connection between medication dosing and effects on the body.