Based on Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, these 20 drugs form the foundation of veterinary pharmacology. Use the Drug Formulary for quick weight-based dosing reference and the Pharmacology Specialist to discuss drug interactions and contraindications.
Always verify doses and contraindications before prescribing. Drug interactions and dose adjustments for renal/hepatic disease must be considered.
| Drug | Indication | Dog Dose | Cat Dose | Key Caution |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amoxicillin | Bacterial infection | 10–20 mg/kg PO q12h | 50 mg/kg PO q12h | GI upset; avoid in penicillin allergy |
| Amoxicillin-clavulanate | Resistant infections | 13.75–25 mg/kg PO q12h | 62.5 mg/cat PO q12h | Clavulanate extends spectrum |
| Cephalexin | Skin, UTI | 15–30 mg/kg PO q12h | 15–30 mg/kg PO q12h | First-gen cephalosporin |
| Enrofloxacin | Gram-negative infections | 5–20 mg/kg PO q24h | 5 mg/kg PO q24h max | Retinal toxicity in cats at high dose |
| Metronidazole | Anaerobic, Giardia | 10–25 mg/kg PO q12h | 10–25 mg/kg PO q12h | Neurotoxicity with prolonged use |
| Prednisone/prednisolone | Anti-inflammatory | 0.5–2 mg/kg PO q12–24h | 1–2 mg/kg PO q12h | Use prednisolone in cats (bioavailability) |
| Tramadol | Pain | 2–5 mg/kg PO q8–12h | 2–4 mg/kg PO q12h | Variable efficacy; CYP metabolism |
| Gabapentin | Pain, anxiety | 5–10 mg/kg PO q8h | 5–10 mg/kg PO q8–12h | Sedation; renal dose adjustment |
| Omeprazole | Gastric acid suppression | 0.5–1 mg/kg PO q12–24h | 0.5–1 mg/kg PO q12–24h | Give before meals |
| Metoclopramide | Antiemetic, prokinetic | 0.2–0.5 mg/kg PO/IV q8h | 0.2–0.5 mg/kg PO/IV q8h | Extrapyramidal signs; avoid in obstruction |
| Maropitant | Antiemetic | 1 mg/kg IV/SC q24h; 2 mg/kg PO q24h | Same | NK-1 antagonist; injectable for motion sickness |
| Famotidine | H2 blocker | 0.5–1 mg/kg PO/IV q12h | 0.5–1 mg/kg PO/IV q12h | Weaker than omeprazole for ulcer |
| Furosemide | Diuretic | 1–4 mg/kg PO/IV q8–12h | 1–2 mg/kg PO q12h | Monitor K+; ototoxicity at high dose |
| Insulin (glargine) | Diabetes | 0.25–0.5 U/kg q12h | 0.25–0.5 U/kg q12h | Individualize; monitor glucose curves |
| Phenobarbital | Seizures | 2–5 mg/kg PO q12h | 2–4 mg/kg PO q12h | Monitor levels; hepatic induction |
| Levothyroxine | Hypothyroidism | 0.02 mg/kg PO q12h | N/A (rare in cats) | Give on empty stomach |
| Pimobendan | Heart failure | 0.25 mg/kg PO q12h | 0.25–0.3 mg/kg PO q12h | Inodilator; DCM, MVD |
| Clopidogrel | Antiplatelet | 2–4 mg/kg PO q24h | 18.75 mg/cat PO q24h | FATE prevention; GI protection |
| Apomorphine | Emesis | 0.03 mg/kg IV/IM | Contraindicated | Dopamine agonist; use in dogs only |
| Dexamethasone | Shock, inflammation | 0.1–0.2 mg/kg IV | 0.1–0.2 mg/kg IV | Long-acting; avoid in septic shock |
Warning: Cats have unique metabolism: deficient glucuronidation (avoid acetaminophen, many NSAIDs), slower clearance of some drugs, and different receptor sensitivities. Enrofloxacin causes retinal degeneration in cats at doses above 5 mg/kg. Use prednisolone, not prednisone, in cats. Apomorphine does not induce emesis in cats—use xylazine or dexmedetomidine.
Always consult current references before prescribing. This table is for educational purposes—all prescription medications require veterinary oversight.
Discuss drug interactions and contraindications with the Pharmacology Specialist. Dose adjustments for renal/hepatic disease must be considered for many drugs.
All prescription medications require veterinary oversight. Drug interactions, contraindications, and dose adjustments for renal/hepatic disease must be considered.
- Use prednisolone in cats, not prednisone (bioavailability).
- Enrofloxacin: max 5 mg/kg in cats—retinal toxicity at higher doses.
- Apomorphine: dogs only; use xylazine/dexmedetomidine in cats.
- Always verify doses and contraindications before prescribing.
- Consider renal/hepatic dose adjustments for gabapentin, metronidazole, others.