Questions about pets who have consumed potentially toxic human medications are common. Sometimes the pets consume the medications on their own, and sometimes owners unknowingly give their pets human medications that are toxic to dogs and cats.
"Nearly half of the calls we receive are for pets that have accidentally ingested human medications," said Dr. Justine Lee, DVM, DACVECC and the associate director of Veterinary Services at Pet Poison Helpline. "Recognizing the most commonly prescribed drugs in the U.S. and how they affect pets can help pet owners be more cognizant of potential dangers associated with these drugs."
According to the IMS Institute for Healthcare Informatics report (PDF), released in April 2011, the top five human drugs dispensed in the U.S. are Lipitor®, Nexium®, Plavix®, Advair Diskus® and Abilify®.
Toxic or Not? Test yourself on these top 5 drugs
The function of each drug is listed first.
Possible answer:
a) Mild signs may be seen, OK to monitor at home
b) Emergency: life-threatening without treatment
1) Lipitor® (atorvastatin) - Lipitor is used to reduce cholesterol levels in humans. It is not used in veterinary medicine.
answer: a) - Mild signs may be seen, OK to monitor at home. Some vomiting and diarrhea may be noted if a pet ingests this drug.
2) Nexium® (esomepraz) - Nexium is an anti-ulcer medication, used to decrease gastric acid secretion. It is used sometimes in veterinary patients.
answer: a) - Mild signs may be seen, notably vomiting and diarrhea, if a pet ingests this drug. OK to closely monitor at home, symptoms usually resolve on their own.
3) Plavix® (clopidogrel) - Plavix is anti-clot drug, affecting platelets, that is used to reduce the risk of stroke in humans. It is rarely used in veterinary patients.
answer: a) - This drug has a wide margin of safety. Mild vomiting and diarrhea may be seen in some patients.
So far, so good for pets.
4) Advair Diskus® (fluticasone propionate and salmeterol) - Most often used to treat asthma, this drug is commonly administered via an inhaler.
answer: b) - Emergency: life-threatening without treatment.
Because inhalers are multi-dose devices, when a dog chews the inhaler, a very large dose (actually several doses) of the drug is delivered all at once. From Pet Poison Helpline: "This often results in heart arrhythmias, an elevated heart rate, agitation, vomiting and even acute collapse. Severe electrolyte abnormalities such as very low potassium levels are likely and can be life-threatening without immediate veterinary treatment."
Related case: Albuterol Toxicity in a Boxer
5) Abilify® (aripiprazole) - Aripiprazole is an atypical antipsychotic agent that is used to treat schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and clinical depression in humans.
answer: b) - Emergency: life-threatening without treatment. From Pet Poison Helpline: "ingestion can result in profound lethargy, vomiting, hyperthermia, significant changes in heart rate and blood pressure, and seizures. If a pet ingests this drug, immediate veterinary attention is needed."
Keep All Medications Out Of Pet's Reach
This may be harder than it sounds. Pets, especially dogs, have the amazing sense of smell, curiosity, and the tools (teeth, claws, nose) to get at medications, chocolate, rat poison, you name it.
Veterinary drugs are often 'liver-flavored' or similar, providing additional enticement. Pills rattling in a bottle or pill box catch the attention of some dogs, similar to many popular toys. And finally, one easy "grab bag" for pets are purses - inhalers, drugs, and xylitol-containing gum are often within easy reach of curious pets.
Related:
Thanks to Pet Poison Helpline™ for assistance with this article.
