At PetScript, we work closely with veterinarians to ensure patients receive the medications they need, at the proper dosages and strengths, in forms that will be simplest for pet owners to administer. In some cases and for many patients, liquid suspension medications are the preferred choice for prescription pet meds.
Also called oral suspension, liquid suspension is a form of compounded medication in which the medication is suspended – not dissolved – into a liquid vehicle that is intended to be administered orally to patients.
There are many advantages to choosing a liquid suspension for your patients’ medications. Lots of animals are more compliant to receiving medications in a liquid suspension via an oral syringe.
If your patients, however, tend to resist medications, we can add their favorite flavor to the oral suspension to make the process more pleasant for patients and less stressful for pet owners.
Additionally, liquid suspensions can either be administered with an oral syringe or mixed in with a patients’ food. If mixing into pet food, however, be sure your clients monitor their pets’ mealtimes to ensure they eat everything and receive their full doses.
Your patients’ liquid suspensions will come with instructions for storage and use that vary based on the type of medication and the type of oral suspension formula. Certain medications require refrigerated storage while others need to be stored at room temperature. Additionally, liquid suspensions usually need to be shaken well before each use.
Liquid suspensions are typically administered orally using an oral syringe. To administer a patient’s meds, you will first insert the syringe into the bottle of medication and take up the prescribed dose (usually in milliliters that are easily measured on the syringe). You can then squirt the medication directly into the back of the patient’s mouth for them to swallow.
If a patient resists receiving the medication, you can recommend that your clients wrap their pets snuggly in a towel, so only their head is exposed and gently work the syringe into the side of their mouth. Remind them never to attempt to pry open their pet’s mouth.
Whether you treat dogs, cats, horses, and/or exotic animals, our veterinary pharmacists can help you determine the form and flavor of compounded medication that is most likely to suit your patients’ needs and preferences. To learn more about the compounding services available at PetScript Prolab Pharmacy, we welcome you to contact us today.