Veterinary Medicines and Quality Control of Galenic Preparations
A.Y. 2026/2027
Learning objectives
The first module aims to provide knowledge on the physiological and pathological aspects of companion animals (dogs and cats). It also aims to illustrate the different types of pharmaceutical forms used in veterinary practice and the issues related to their administration. The student will acquire knowledge on the technological solutions that can be adopted to address the therapeutic needs of small animals, considering dosage issues, administration methods, and acceptability.
Given the importance of galenic preparations in both veterinary and human fields, the objective of the second module is to provide students with in-depth knowledge on their quality control. The main goal will be to acquire knowledge on the key parameters to be verified during quality control and the stability issues of these preparations. Additionally, special emphasis will be placed on the critical aspects of controlling galenic preparations based on plants and/or narcotic substances.
Given the importance of galenic preparations in both veterinary and human fields, the objective of the second module is to provide students with in-depth knowledge on their quality control. The main goal will be to acquire knowledge on the key parameters to be verified during quality control and the stability issues of these preparations. Additionally, special emphasis will be placed on the critical aspects of controlling galenic preparations based on plants and/or narcotic substances.
Expected learning outcomes
The aim of the course is to describe some therapeutic treatments and pharmaceutical formulations specifically developed for veterinary application. At the end of the course, the student should demonstrate knowledge of the most relevant aspects of medications intended for companion animals and the formulation requirements involved in the development of the main veterinary formulations.
The student will be able to assess the critical issues and stability of galenic preparations and verify the quality of the galenic preparation through specific pharmaceutical controls that can be carried out directly in the pharmacy. The student will also acquire skills in the methods of quality control that can be performed in external laboratories. Additionally, they will learn the fundamental concepts related to preparations based on herbal products or containing narcotic substances.
The student will be able to assess the critical issues and stability of galenic preparations and verify the quality of the galenic preparation through specific pharmaceutical controls that can be carried out directly in the pharmacy. The student will also acquire skills in the methods of quality control that can be performed in external laboratories. Additionally, they will learn the fundamental concepts related to preparations based on herbal products or containing narcotic substances.
Lesson period: Second semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course can be attended as a single course.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
Veterinary medicinal products: Species-specific differences in veterinary pharmacokinetics and their implications for the use of personalized compounded preparations. The veterinary rationale for the use of compounded preparations in canine, feline, and equine patients will be addressed. For each species, the selection of the active ingredient, dosage, and pharmaceutical form will be discussed in relation to acceptability, therapeutic adherence, and excipient safety.
In-depth analysis of the main extemporaneous preparations for veterinary use compounded in pharmacy, with particular focus on canine, feline, and equine patients. Technological aspects of pharmaceutical formulations for oral administration (aqueous and oily solutions and suspensions, tablets and capsules, palatable pastes) and topical administration (creams, gels, shampoos, ear drops) will be examined.
Quality control of compounded preparations:
i) Concepts of stability and storage. Stability testing. Stability in pharmacopoeias and in pharmacy practice. Chemical factors of instability (hydrolysis, oxidation, isomerization and racemization, photochemical degradation, polymerization). Physical factors affecting degradation (temperature, humidity, light). Analytical techniques used for impurity determination and stability assessment.
ii) Herbal drugs: extraction and analysis of active constituents.
iii) Evaluation of the composition and stability of plant-based compounded preparations.
iv) Basic principles of toxicological chemistry. Preparations containing controlled substances.
In-depth analysis of the main extemporaneous preparations for veterinary use compounded in pharmacy, with particular focus on canine, feline, and equine patients. Technological aspects of pharmaceutical formulations for oral administration (aqueous and oily solutions and suspensions, tablets and capsules, palatable pastes) and topical administration (creams, gels, shampoos, ear drops) will be examined.
Quality control of compounded preparations:
i) Concepts of stability and storage. Stability testing. Stability in pharmacopoeias and in pharmacy practice. Chemical factors of instability (hydrolysis, oxidation, isomerization and racemization, photochemical degradation, polymerization). Physical factors affecting degradation (temperature, humidity, light). Analytical techniques used for impurity determination and stability assessment.
ii) Herbal drugs: extraction and analysis of active constituents.
iii) Evaluation of the composition and stability of plant-based compounded preparations.
iv) Basic principles of toxicological chemistry. Preparations containing controlled substances.
Prerequisites for admission
The course is intended for students who have acquired basic knowledge of pharmacology, organic chemistry, and fundamentals of pharmaceutical technology (recommended).
Teaching methods
The course is delivered in a blended learning format, combining face-to-face and online activities (both synchronous and asynchronous), with up to a maximum of 50% of the course conducted online. Online activities are scheduled regularly throughout the semester, alternating with in-person sessions according to a defined timetable. The learning activities include: lectures, seminars with industry experts, synchronous and asynchronous digital content, case study exercises, individual and group work, guided discussions with feedback.
The course fosters the development of transferable skills, including critical thinking, teamwork, scientific communication, and problem-solving in the management of compounded preparations for veterinary patients.
The course fosters the development of transferable skills, including critical thinking, teamwork, scientific communication, and problem-solving in the management of compounded preparations for veterinary patients.
Teaching Resources
Recommended readings:
INTORRE, MEUCCI, Tossicologia Veterinaria, Idelson-Gnocchi 2022; BELLOLI, CARLI, ORMAS Farmacologia veterinaria (2021), Idelson-Gnocchi 2021.
Available on the e-learning platform (MyAriel): lecture slides, recorded lectures (video lectures), multimedia materials, scientific and technical articles, regulatory documents, and guidelines.
INTORRE, MEUCCI, Tossicologia Veterinaria, Idelson-Gnocchi 2022; BELLOLI, CARLI, ORMAS Farmacologia veterinaria (2021), Idelson-Gnocchi 2021.
Available on the e-learning platform (MyAriel): lecture slides, recorded lectures (video lectures), multimedia materials, scientific and technical articles, regulatory documents, and guidelines.
Assessment methods and Criteria
Assessment is designed to evaluate students' ability to effectively present and discuss the topics outlined in the syllabus. It consists of an oral presentation delivered by small groups of students, followed by an individual discussion with the teacher.
The presentation focuses on the critical analysis of a veterinary patient case, including: identification of the rationale for therapeutic individualization; justification of the selected compounded dosage form to be prepared in the pharmacy; and evaluation of the quality and stability of the formulation.
The final grade (on a 30-point scale) is based on active class participation (one-sixth of the final grade) and the presentation and discussion of the case study (five-sixths of the final grade).
The presentation focuses on the critical analysis of a veterinary patient case, including: identification of the rationale for therapeutic individualization; justification of the selected compounded dosage form to be prepared in the pharmacy; and evaluation of the quality and stability of the formulation.
The final grade (on a 30-point scale) is based on active class participation (one-sixth of the final grade) and the presentation and discussion of the case study (five-sixths of the final grade).
CHIM/08 - PHARMACEUTICAL CHEMISTRY - University credits: 4
CHIM/09 - PHARMACEUTICAL AND TECHNOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS OF CHEMISTRY - University credits: 2
VET/07 - VETERINARY PHARMACOLOGY AND TOXICOLOGY - University credits: 2
CHIM/09 - PHARMACEUTICAL AND TECHNOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS OF CHEMISTRY - University credits: 2
VET/07 - VETERINARY PHARMACOLOGY AND TOXICOLOGY - University credits: 2
Lessons: 64 hours
Professors:
Casiraghi Antonella, Roda Gabriella
Professor(s)