Veterinary Pharmacology: Tranquilizers and Sedatives

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Questions and Answers

Which of these receptors are typically affected by tranquilizers?

Serotonin receptors

GABA receptors

Alpha-2 receptors

Dopamine receptors (correct)

What is the primary effect of tranquilizers on patients?

Analgesia

Sedation

Calming effect (correct)

Stimulation

What is the effect of acepromazine on dopamine, alpha 1, muscarinic and histamine receptors?

Inhibition of all receptors (correct)

Inhibition of dopamine and alpha 1, activation of muscarinic and histamine receptors

Activation of dopamine and alpha 1, inhibition of muscarinic and histamine receptors

Activation of all receptors

Which of the following is a characteristic of tranquilizers?

They are primarily used for behavior modification in animals (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of tranquilizers in terms of analgesia?

Tranquilizers do not provide any analgesia (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following medications is a serotonin antagonist and can be used for anti-anxiety?

Trazadone (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a disadvantage of benzodiazepines?

Minimal cardiovascular effects (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential side effect of blockers?

Nictitating membrane prolapse (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which medication is known for its potential to elicit paradoxical excitation?

Diazepam (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of alpha-2 adrenergic agonists?

They decrease the release of norepinephrine (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a contraindication for the use of blockers?

Blood loss (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following medications can be reversed by atipamezole?

Dexmedetomidine (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main advantage of midazolam over diazepam?

It is less irritating to tissue (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following receptors is NOT typically affected by tranquilizers?

Serotonin receptors (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements accurately describes the effects of tranquilizers on patients?

Tranquilizers calm patients while maintaining their awareness. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of these medications is a typical example of a phenothiazine derivative?

Acepromazine (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following receptors is NOT affected by Acepromazine?

GABA receptors (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about tranquilizers is INCORRECT?

Tranquilizers provide adequate analgesia. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a characteristic of Acepromazine?

It can be used to reduce anxiety and aggression. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of tranquilizers on the FAS score?

They lead to a lower FAS score. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following medications is NOT reversible?

Acepromazine (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is considered a disadvantage of using benzodiazepines in veterinary medicine?

Lack of analgesic properties (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a common characteristic shared by both blockers and alpha-2 adrenergic agonists in veterinary medicine?

Profound sedation (D), Significant muscle relaxation (E) Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential contraindication for using blockers in a veterinary patient?

Dehydration (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main advantage of midazolam over diazepam in veterinary medicine?

Midazolam is more potent and less irritating to the tissue (E) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following drugs is commonly used in combination with tiletamine for sedation in exotic animals?

Zolazepam (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a characteristic of alpha-2 adrenergic agonists that differentiates them from other sedatives?

They can induce reflex bradycardia (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary mechanism of action for benzodiazepines in veterinary medicine?

They enhance the activity of GABA receptors (A) Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Tranquilizers

Anti-anxiety medications do not cause sedation, but rather calm patients while maintaining awareness of their surroundings (lower FAS score).
These medications do not provide significant analgesia.
They typically affect dopamine receptors and alpha-1 receptors.

Phenothiazine Derivatives (e.g., Acepromazine)

Affect dopamine, alpha-1, muscarinic, and histamine receptors.
Cause mild sedation, given intravenously (IV), subcutaneously (SQ), intramuscularly (IM), or orally (PO).
Non-reversible action.
Avoid in dogs with MDR1 gene mutations.
Can cause nictitating membrane prolapse (a normal finding).
Advantages include preventing histamine release (anti-emetic effect) and treating opioid-induced dysphoria.
Potential disadvantages include idiosyncratic reactions, like aggression and hyperactivity, and penile prolapse in stallions.
Contraindicated in blood loss, dehydration, and shock.

Trazadone

Serotonin antagonist.
Oral medication.
Anti-anxiety with mild sedation.
Wide therapeutic index.
Should not be used with certain drugs (e.g., Tramadol).

Benzodiazepine Derivatives

(Specific examples not listed)

General Anesthetics

Enhance GABA activity, causing muscle relaxation with minimal respiratory and cardiovascular effects.
Examples include Diazepam (Valium), Midazolam, Zolazepam (Telazol), and Lorazepam.
Diazepam can be given IM, IV, or rectally; is reversible by Flumazenil; and can produce paradoxical excitation. It has possible benefits as an anticonvulsant.
Diazepam and Midazolam may have minimal cardiovascular/respiratory effects and muscle relaxation.
Midazolam is 3 times more potent than Diazepam and less irritating to tissues.
Zolazepam (Telazol) is used for exotics and often given with tiletamine.
Lorazepam can be given orally.

Alpha 2 Adrenergic Agonists

Decrease norepinephrine release.
Oppose the sympathetic nervous system, leading to profound sedation and muscle relaxation.
Not an analgesic, but decrease pain perception.
Examples include Dexmedetomidine, Xylazine, Detomidine, and Medetomidine.
Dexmedetomidine is reversible by atipamezole.
Xylazine is reversible by yohimbine, and Detomidine is reversible by tolazine.

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Description

This quiz explores the use of tranquilizers and sedatives in veterinary medicine, focusing on their mechanisms of action, effects, and contraindications. It covers specific drugs like phenothiazine derivatives and trazodone, along with their pharmacological properties and usage considerations. Perfect for veterinary students and professionals looking to deepen their understanding of animal medications.