Top 10 human medications that poison our pets

Top 10 Human Medications That Poison Our Pets http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/poison-control/top-10-human-me.
Top 10 Human Medications That Poison Our Pets
Although pet parents are well aware of poisons lurking around their home,many don’t realize that some of the biggest culprits are sitting right on theirown nightstands. In 2007, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center received89,000 calls related to pets ingesting over-the-counter and prescriptionmedications. To help you prevent an accident from happening, our expertshave created a list of the top 10 human medications that most often poisonour furry friends.
If you suspect your pet has ingested any of the following items, please callyour veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center’s 24-hourhotline at (888) 426-4435. And remember to keep all medications tuckedaway in bathroom cabinets—and far from curious cats and dogs.
NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) like ibuprofen or naproxenare the most common cause of pet poisoning in small animals, and cancause serious problems even in minimal doses. Pets are extremely sensitiveto their effects, and may experience stomach and intestinal ulcers and—in the case of cats—kidney damage.
Antidepressants
Antidepressants can cause vomiting and lethargy and certain types can lead to serotonin syndrome—a conditionmarked by agitation, elevated body temperature, heart rate and blood pressure, disorientation, vocalization,tremors and seizures.
Acetaminophen
Cats are especially sensitive to acetaminophen, which can damage red blood cells and interfere with their ability totransport oxygen. In dogs, it can cause liver damage and, at higher doses, red blood cell damage.
Methylphenidate (for ADHD)
Medications used to treat ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) in people act as stimulants in pets andcan dangerously elevate heart rates, blood pressure and body temperature, as well as cause seizures.
Fluorouracil
Fluorouracil—an anti-cancer drug—is used topically to treat minor skin cancers and solar keratitis in humans. It hasproven to be rapidly fatal to dogs, causing severe vomiting, seizures and cardiac arrest even in those who’vechewed on discarded cotton swabs used to apply the medication.
Isoniazid
Often the first line of defense against tuberculosis, isoniazid is particularly toxic for dogs because they don’tmetabolize it as well as other species. It can cause a rapid onset of severe seizures that may ultimately result indeath.
Pseudoephedrine
Top 10 Human Medications That Poison Our Pets http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/poison-control/top-10-human-me.
Pseudoephedrine is a popular decongestant in many cold and sinus products, and acts like a stimulant ifaccidentally ingested by pets. In cats and dogs, it causes elevated heart rates, blood pressure and bodytemperature as well as seizures.
Anti-diabetics
Many oral diabetes treatments—including glipizide and glyburide—can cause a major drop in blood sugar levels ofaffected pets. Clinical signs of ingestion include disorientation, lack of coordination and seizures.
Vitamin D derivatives
Even small exposures to Vitamin D analogues like calcipotriene and calcitriol can cause life-threatening spikes inblood calcium levels in pets. Clinical signs of exposure—including vomiting, loss of appetite, increased urination andthirst due to kidney failure—often don't occur for more than 24 hours after ingestion.
Baclofen
Baclofen is a muscle relaxant that can impair the central nervous systems of cats and dogs. Some symptoms ofingestion include significant depression, disorientation, vocalization, seizures and coma, which can lead to death.
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