Selecting the right medication for a veterinary patient involves more than choosing the appropriate drug and dosage.
The drug’s form and route of administration can influence compliance, outcomes, and client satisfaction.
Are you treating a spicy cat with a chronic condition? A geriatric dog with a finicky appetite? A horse who can detect medication in their feed from a mile away? Tailoring the dosage form and route to each patient is essential for success.
This article provides a brief overview of commonly used veterinary dosage forms. It also covers unique dosage forms offered by Wedgewood, with insights into when and why to use them.
The right dosage form can ensure pets take their medication instead of spitting it out behind the couch.
Oral medications for animals: Customization and convenience
Oral administration is often the preferred method for delivering systemic medications, especially those used in ongoing treatment plans. The ideal dosage form depends on each pet’s needs and temperament—and whether the owner can administer the medication to their pet.
Tablets and chewables
Tablets can be formulated to allow prolonged or sustained release of a drug, which means the medication is released slowly over time after ingestion. However, not all tablets are made this way—only those specifically designed as extended-release (ER), sustained-release (SR), controlled-release (CR), or modified-release formulations. Chewable tablets, particularly flavored options, are often preferred by dogs and can improve acceptance for daily medications like non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) or thyroid medication.
Compounded chewables or small-sized tablets can ensure your tiniest patients receive an accurate dose. For the most finicky patients (we’re looking at you, cats), tablets and chewables can often be easily hidden in food.
Fast-dissolving tablets
This meltaway formulation is ideal for patients who have difficulty taking normal tablets or capsules, or who can’t swallow normally. They are also a great option for pet parents who have mastered every pill-hiding trick in the book—only to be outsmarted every time.
Fast-dissolving tablets are often not available commercially. However, Wedgewood offers this unique dosage form tailored specifically to veterinary patients.
Capsules
Capsules can hold medication in powder or liquid form. Hard capsules are used for powders or granules, while soft gelatin capsules are best for liquids or gels. Capsules can be a suitable option for drugs that taste unpleasant (no more foaming at the mouth!), break down easily in light, or don’t dissolve well in water. They are also helpful when precise dosing is needed without altering the drug’s particle size.
Oral liquids
Liquid dosage forms are ideal for small animals, exotic pets, and any patient who requires precise oral dosing. Veterinary compounding can provide liquid medications customized with pet-approved flavors, like chicken or beef.
Suspensions contain insoluble drug particles suspended in a liquid medium. They must be well-shaken and stored appropriately.
Solutions, which contain a fully dissolved form of the drug, can offer greater stability and uniformity.
For both formulations, client education on how to prepare, measure, and store the liquid medication is key to product safety and efficacy.
Emulsions
Emulsions contain two liquids that don’t blend well and are held together by an emulsifying agent. This formulation may be used to deliver fat-soluble medications in an oral or injectable form. They must generally be shaken, unless specified, to ensure even distribution of both liquids and accurate dosing.
Pastes and gels
These thick, oral formulations are often used in equine medicine but can also be adapted for other species as well. Flavored pastes offer a stress-free drug delivery alternative for medicating cats. Clients can simply apply to their cat’s paw or foreleg and let grooming instincts do the rest. Flavored gels may also be available in convenient gel pens, which can be ideal for small pets and exotics.
Powders and granules
Powders are fine, fast-absorbing formulations that can be evenly mixed into a patient’s food or liquid. However, inconsistent dosing can occur because of palatability problems. If a medication is bitter, the animal may not eat or drink the entire portion.
Granules are larger and coarser than powders, making them easier to scoop, handle, and measure. Because they don’t release as much smell or taste right away, pets may find them more appealing. Granules can also be more easily flavored.
Flavored formulations can take medication time from a battle to a breeze.
Transdermal and topical dosage forms for animals: Convenient external application
Transdermal gels
This unique dosage form is applied inside an animal’s pinnae and quickly absorbed into the bloodstream. Measured applicators make dosage stress-free, especially for patients on long-term medications (e.g., cats with hyperthyroidism). Medications given via the transdermal route may also be incorporated into a wearable patch.
Creams
Creams can be applied to a pet’s skin or mucous membranes for a localized effect. They are typically lightweight and spread easily for consistent application and absorption.
Ointments
Ointments are thick, greasy applications designed to create a moisture barrier and prolonged contact. These features increase drug absorption and hydration. However, they may also make these preparations messier. Clients may need to take measures to prevent stains on their furniture or carpets. Ointments may be used on an animal’s skin, eyes, and ears.
Ocular and otic solutions
Topical solutions are liquid medications designed to treat localized eye or ear conditions. Otic solutions may be water or oil-based and are designed to flow freely into the ear canal. This allows for easy—and thorough—application for dogs and cats with ear infections. Ophthalmic solutions are sterile, water-based drops that provide even but short-term application. Although solutions are not as messy as ointments, they may need to be dosed more frequently.
Related reading: Dealing With Eye Injuries and Watery Eyes in Cats
Injectable formulations for animals: Immediate, controlled delivery
When rapid absorption and precise dosing are critical, injectable formulations offer quick, targeted delivery. They’re especially useful when oral medications are inappropriate or immediate action is needed.
Injectables typically consist of a sterile solution or suspension in water or another carrier. Absorption rates can vary depending on the administration site and the formulation. Each drug delivery method offers distinct advantages for a pet’s specific treatment goals.
Check it out: The top compounded post-surgical medications for pets
One-of-a-kind pets deserve one-of-a-kind care
The dosage form and administration route can significantly impact the success of each patient’s treatment plan. By considering each animal’s individual health needs, you can identify tailored solutions. Customized options enhance the overall outcome as well as client compliance, patient comfort, and the quality of care.
Wedgewood offers a wide range of veterinary compounding options and unique dosage forms. We can help you customize your patient’s medication to meet their unique circumstances, and our pharmacists are here to support you in identifying the best dosage form for each patient.
