100+ Free ACVCP Practice Questions

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Amlodipine is most appropriately classified as:

An ACE inhibitor

A potassium-sparing diuretic

A dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker with predominantly vascular smooth muscle effects

A non-dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker

to track

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Key Facts: ACVCP Exam

AVMA RVSO

Recognized 1988

ACVCP (acvcp.org)

500 MCQ

Phase I

60% pass, $200, ExamSoft

Phase II

Essay/Written

Following Phase I

5 t1/2

Steady State

~97% plateau

ACVCP is the AVMA-recognized vet specialty board for clinical pharmacology. Phase I: 500 MCQ, 60% pass, $200. Master ADME + PK calculations (Vd, Cl, t1/2, F bioavailability), CYP induction (phenobarbital) vs inhibition (ketoconazole), MDR1 mutation in Collies (ivermectin/loperamide), antimicrobial PK/PD (T>MIC vs Cmax/MIC), cat acetaminophen toxicity (UGT deficiency), and AMDUCA-prohibited drugs in food animals.

Sample ACVCP Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your ACVCP exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1A drug administered IV has an AUC of 100 mg·h/L. The same dose given orally produces an AUC of 35 mg·h/L. What is the oral bioavailability (F)?

A.0.286

B.0.35

C.0.65

D.1.0

Explanation: Bioavailability F = AUC(oral) / AUC(IV) when the same dose is given by both routes. F = 35 / 100 = 0.35 (35%).

2A 20 kg dog receives a 200 mg IV bolus of a drug. Plasma concentration extrapolated to time zero (C0) is 10 mg/L. What is the apparent volume of distribution?

A.0.5 L/kg

B.1.0 L/kg

C.2.0 L/kg

D.20 L/kg

Explanation: Vd = Dose / C0 = 200 mg / 10 mg/L = 20 L total. Per kg: 20 L / 20 kg = 1.0 L/kg, indicating distribution into total body water.

3A drug has a clearance of 0.5 L/h/kg and a volume of distribution of 5 L/kg. What is the elimination half-life?

A.1.4 h

B.3.5 h

C.6.93 h

D.10 h

Explanation: t1/2 = 0.693 × Vd / Cl = 0.693 × 5 / 0.5 = 6.93 hours.

4Approximately how many half-lives are required to reach steady-state concentration with constant-rate IV infusion?

A.1

B.3

C.5

D.10

Explanation: After 5 half-lives, plasma concentration reaches approximately 97% of the steady-state plateau, which is clinically considered steady state.

5Which statement best describes a drug with a volume of distribution of 10 L/kg?

A.Confined to plasma

B.Restricted to extracellular fluid

C.Highly tissue-bound and lipophilic

D.Eliminated only by glomerular filtration

Explanation: A Vd >> total body water (~0.6 L/kg) indicates extensive sequestration in tissues, typical of highly lipophilic and protein- or tissue-bound drugs (e.g., amiodarone).

6First-pass metabolism most directly reduces which pharmacokinetic parameter for an orally administered drug?

A.Volume of distribution

B.Bioavailability

C.Elimination half-life

D.Protein binding

Explanation: First-pass hepatic metabolism removes a fraction of orally absorbed drug before it reaches systemic circulation, decreasing F (bioavailability).

7A loading dose is best calculated using which of the following?

A.Cl × Cp_target

B.Vd × Cp_target

C.Cl × τ / F

D.0.693 × Vd / Cl

Explanation: Loading dose = Vd × Cp_target / F. The loading dose fills the volume of distribution to attain the target concentration rapidly.

8Which equation correctly defines clearance in terms of half-life and volume of distribution?

A.Cl = Vd / t1/2

B.Cl = 0.693 × Vd / t1/2

C.Cl = t1/2 × Vd

D.Cl = Vd × 0.693

Explanation: Rearranging t1/2 = 0.693 × Vd / Cl gives Cl = 0.693 × Vd / t1/2. Clearance is volume cleared per unit time.

9After discontinuing an IV infusion at steady state, approximately what percentage of drug remains after 4 half-lives?

A.50%

B.25%

C.12.5%

D.6.25%

Explanation: Each half-life removes 50%. After 4 half-lives: 100 → 50 → 25 → 12.5 → 6.25%. Greater than 94% has been eliminated.

10A two-compartment open model is best characterized by which feature on a semilog concentration-time plot after IV bolus?

A.Single linear decline

B.Biphasic curve with distribution and elimination phases

C.Sigmoidal absorption phase

D.Zero-order plateau

Explanation: The two-compartment model exhibits a rapid initial (alpha/distribution) phase followed by a slower terminal (beta/elimination) phase on semilog plots.

About the ACVCP Exam

AVMA-recognized veterinary specialty board for clinical pharmacology. Two-phase exam: Phase I (500 MCQ, 60% pass, $200, ExamSoft CBT) covers general pharmacology — pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, ADME, drug classes, regulatory; Phase II is written/essay. Domains include PK/PD principles, cardiovascular/respiratory/renal drugs, antimicrobials (beta-lactams, fluoroquinolones, aminoglycosides), analgesics/anesthetics, endocrine/GI, toxicology and adverse drug reactions, species-specific sensitivities (cat UGT deficiency, Collie MDR1), and AMDUCA regulatory.

Questions

500 scored questions

Time Limit

Per ACVCP

Passing Score

60% Phase I

Exam Fee

$200 Phase I (ACVCP)

ACVCP Exam Content Outline

20%

Pharmacokinetics

ADME, half-life, clearance, Vd, bioavailability, compartment models, dosing math

15%

Pharmacodynamics

Receptor theory, dose-response, EC50, efficacy vs potency, partial agonism

15%

CV/Respiratory/Renal

Cardiac drugs, diuretics, ACEi/ARBs, antiarrhythmics, pimobendan

15%

Antimicrobials

Beta-lactams, fluoroquinolones, aminoglycosides, sulfas, macrolides; PK/PD index

10%

Analgesics & Anesthetics

Opioids, NSAIDs, alpha-2 agonists, ketamine, inhalants, MAC concept

10%

Endocrine & GI

Insulin, thyroid (methimazole), maropitant NK1, omeprazole, trilostane

10%

Toxicology & ADRs

Drug interactions, CYP induction/inhibition, species sensitivities (cat UGT, Collie MDR1)

Regulatory

AMDUCA, FDA-CVM, withdrawal times (FARAD), ELDU rules, VFD

How to Pass the ACVCP Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: 60% Phase I
Exam length: 500 questions
Time limit: Per ACVCP
Exam fee: $200 Phase I

Keys to Passing

Complete 500+ practice questions
Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
Focus on highest-weighted sections
Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

ACVCP Study Tips from Top Performers

1Master PK calculations: Vd, Cl, t1/2, F bioavailability, loading vs maintenance dose

2Memorize CYP inducers (phenobarbital, rifampin) vs inhibitors (ketoconazole, cimetidine, erythromycin)

3Drill species sensitivities: Collie MDR1 (ivermectin, loperamide), cat UGT (acetaminophen, permethrin), horse NSAIDs

4Know antimicrobial PK/PD: time-dependent (β-lactams T>MIC) vs concentration-dependent (FQs/AGs Cmax/MIC, AUC/MIC)

5Apply AMDUCA: prohibited in food animals — fluoroquinolones, chloramphenicol, DES, dimetridazole, glycopeptides

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you calculate steady state and loading dose?

Steady state is achieved at ~5 half-lives (97% of plateau); washout requires ~4-5 half-lives for >94% elimination. t1/2 = 0.693 × Vd / Cl. Loading dose (Cl-equivalent of dose at desired Cp): LD = Vd × Cp_target / F (oral) or Vd × Cp_target (IV). Maintenance dose = Cl × Cp_target × τ / F. Loading dose useful when t1/2 is long and immediate therapeutic concentration is needed (e.g., digoxin, lidocaine drips).

Why are Collies sensitive to ivermectin?

ABCB1-1Δ (formerly MDR1) gene mutation in Collies, Australian Shepherds, Long-haired Whippets, and ~10 other breeds produces a non-functional P-glycoprotein efflux transporter at the blood-brain barrier. Ivermectin and other P-gp substrates (loperamide, vincristine, doxorubicin, butorphanol) accumulate in the CNS at standard doses → severe neurotoxicity (mydriasis, ataxia, seizure, coma). Genetic testing available; affected dogs require dose reductions or alternative drugs.

Why is acetaminophen contraindicated in cats?

Cats lack glucuronyl transferase (UGT1A6 deficiency) — cannot glucuronidate acetaminophen for safe excretion. Acetaminophen is instead metabolized via cytochrome P450 to NAPQI (toxic intermediate). NAPQI depletes glutathione → methemoglobinemia (chocolate-brown blood, cyanosis), Heinz body hemolytic anemia, and facial/paw edema characteristic of cat acetaminophen toxicity. Treatment: N-acetylcysteine (NAC) IV/PO + ascorbic acid + supportive. Even small doses (50-100 mg) can be fatal.

How should I study for ACVCP?

Plan 500-800 hours. Master Riviere & Papich Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics (current edition) cover-to-cover — primary reference. Practice PK calculations until automatic. Master AMDUCA-prohibited drugs for food animals (fluoroquinolones, chloramphenicol, DES, dimetridazole, etc.) and species-specific sensitivities (Collie MDR1, cat UGT deficiency, horse NSAID restrictions). Phase I is 60% pass — heavily weight time on PK math and antimicrobial PK/PD.