How to Identify Veterinary Medications

Proper veterinary medication identification makes certain that the right drug is administered.

Veterinary prescription medications are specific to the breed and size of the animal. Veterinarians commonly prescribe a wide array of prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) veterinary medications to animals that are sick. However, just like human prescriptions and OTC medications, they have unique identification label markings on them. While some medications can have the same ingredients as human medications, proper identification is key to the handling and administration of veterinary medications.

Things You'll Need

• Medication Medication container Medication insert

Instructions

1. Examine carefully any identification labeling on the medication to determine if it is a human medication or veterinary medicine. Look carefully on the container for identification information, any medication inserts or if the medications is an oral pill or capsule. There should be identification or labeling directly on the medication itself.

2. Look online at veterinary medication websites, like Drugs.com or Pet Place, to properly identify veterinary medications. If you cannot find it on any site and do not have the medication container or medicine insert, you may attempt to identify the medication on a human search site. However, if you are unable to identify the medication, it best not to use it and to dispose of it properly.

3. Call your veterinarian for information about identifying any pet medications. The office should be able to tell you what kind of medication was given, what strength and the dosage instructions. Understanding this may help identify the veterinary medication.

Tips & Warnings

• Prescription labeling on veterinary medications, just like those for humans, state the prescribing doctor, clinic, name of medication and dosage instructions, as well as pet's name.

• Always make sure that you identify the pill or medication before administering to the animal because certain medications cannot be given to certain species. Some medications that are safe for humans are fatal for animals.

References

• U S Food and Drug Administration: Animal & Veterinary
• University of Minnesota: Veterinary Medications and Dosing
• Merck: The Merck Veterinary Manual

Resources

• Drugs: Veterinary Product Database
• Pet Place: Over The Counter Drugs
• VSPN: Websites--Drug Information Resources
• RxList: Top 200 Drugs--U.S. Only