Reactions to drugs

RE: Reactions to drugs

Denise Cooke — Wed, 29 Aug 2018 20:29:17 GMT

Thank you I will keep that in mind.

RE: Reactions to drugs

tara sutton — Wed, 29 Aug 2018 16:13:13 GMT

Might be worth checking for future. Giving methadaone IV can often cause respiratory problems so we normally dilute with NaCl (to at least 1ml) and administer it slowly.

The other alternative is to give it IM as it only takes an extra 5 mins to take effect.

(Info & protocols have been taken from Dechra Academy)

RE: Reactions to drugs

Denise Cooke — Wed, 29 Aug 2018 14:32:43 GMT

Not sure as the vet gave the injection .

RE: Reactions to drugs

tara sutton — Wed, 29 Aug 2018 13:18:43 GMT

Just checking but how was it given? There can be problems with breathing when giving IV.

RE: Reactions to drugs

apache — Mon, 27 Aug 2018 18:39:36 GMT

You should still report it even if on the datasheet as a risk

RE: Reactions to drugs

Denise Cooke — Mon, 27 Aug 2018 14:03:05 GMT

Yes I noticed straight away I wasn't happy with the patient.

RE: Reactions to drugs

Heather Bacon — Mon, 27 Aug 2018 12:17:28 GMT

From the data sheet:

Methadone may occasionally cause respiratory depression and as with other opioid drugs, care should be taken when treating animals with impaired respiratory function, or animals that are receiving drugs that can cause respiratory depression. To ensure safe use of the product, treated animals should be monitored regularly, including examination of heart rate and respiratory rate.

In very common cases (more than 1 in 10 animals displaying adverse reaction(s) during the course of one treatment), the following reactions have been observed after administration of the product:

Cats: Respiratory depression may be seen. Mild excitatory reactions have been observed: lip licking, vocalisation, urination, defaecation, mydriasis, hyperthermia and diarrhoea. Hyperalgesia has been reported. All reactions were transient.

Dogs: Respiratory and bradycardia depression may be seen. Mild reactions have been observed: panting, lip licking, salivation, vocalisation, irregular breathing, hypothermia, fixed stare and body tremors. Occasional urination and defaecation can be seen within the first hour post dose. All reactions were transient.

I would think an english bulldog is always going to have some degree of impaired respiratory function prior to drug administration. How scary for you, but at least you noticed quickly!! :)