Most people are familiar with the potential hazards associated with handling chemotherapy medications. However, there are other medications that can pose significant risks to people handling them, and these hazards may not be as widely recognized. The following are examples of medications used in veterinary medicine that clients may not realize require special precautions, along with general counseling points that can be provided to pet owners.
Chloramphenicol can cause aplastic anemia in humans and is a likely carcinogen. Gloves should be worn when handling this medication, and owners should wash their hands after administration as well. Tablets should not be split or crushed as inhaling the dust that is created can be harmful. Owners should also wear gloves when cleaning up vomit or other waste from a treated animal. Pregnant or nursing individuals should avoid handling chloramphenicol and any waste from animals receiving the medication.
Altrenogest is readily absorbed through the skin and can cause reproductive harm. It should only be handled while wearing impermeable gloves. Latex gloves should not be used. Individuals who are pregnant, have known or suspected breast or estrogen-dependent cancer, or have undiagnosed vaginal bleeding should not handle this medication. Additional precautions and contraindications apply to individuals with a history of blood clots or clotting disorders, heart disease, or stroke. Refer to Plumb’s Veterinary Drugs for additional information.
Fluconazole can potentially cause reproductive harm. People who are pregnant or nursing should wear gloves or avoid handling this medication.
Immunosuppressants such as cyclosporine and mycophenolate can cause reproductive harm and should be handled with gloves. Tablets should not be split or crushed. Extra caution should be exercised when using liquid formulations.
Alpha-2 adrenergic agonists, such as detomidine and dexmedetomidine gel, can be absorbed through the skin and may cause reproductive harm and hypotension in humans. Gloves should be worn when handling either medication and when touching a horse’s mouth or saliva for up to 2 hours after administration. Pregnant individuals and those with heart disease should avoid handling these medications when possible or take appropriate precautions to minimize exposure.
These examples do not represent a complete list of hazardous medications. When counseling clients, consult the NIOSH List of Hazardous Drugs or a trusted veterinary drug reference for additional information.
Some veterinary medications may not appear on the NIOSH list. When a drug is not specifically listed, it may also be helpful to consider the hazards associated with other medications in the same drug class. When in doubt, recommend appropriate protective measures and consult a reliable drug reference.
References
- Plumb DC. Chloramphenicol. In: Plumb’s Veterinary Drug Handbook. 10th ed. Wiley-Blackwell; 2023. Plumb’s chloramphenicol monograph
- Plumb DC. Altrenogest (Regu-Mate). In: Plumb’s Veterinary Drug Handbook. 10th ed. Wiley-Blackwell; 2023. Plumb’s Regu-Mate monograph
- Plumb DC. Detomidine. In: Plumb’s Veterinary Drug Handbook. 10th ed. Wiley-Blackwell; 2023. Plumb’s detomidine monograph
- Ovesen JL, Sammons D, Connor TH, MacKenzie BA, DeBord DG, Trout DB, O’Callaghan JP, Whittaker C. NIOSH List of Hazardous Drugs in Healthcare Settings, 2024. US Dept of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health; 2024. NIOSH Publication No. 2025-103. NIOSH List of Hazardous Drugs in Healthcare Settings, 2024
By Lauralei Fisher-Cronkhite, PharmD, DICVP, FSVHP
