Home

>

Cat

>

Health & Wellbeing

>

Acetaminophen in Vet Medicine - Facts and Information

Acetaminophen

Updated on September 10, 2024

Acetaminophen is a pain reliever and fever reducer that can occasionally be used in dogs under veterinary supervision. Never give acetaminophen to cats, ferrets, hedgehogs or sugar gliders.

Acetaminophen

Summary

Used For:

Analgesic, antipyretic

Brands:

Tylenol®, APAP, Paracetamol

Species:

Dogs, Mice, Rats, Gerbils, Hamsters, Guinea pigs, Chinchillas

Drug type:

Pain-reliever

Prescription required:

No

Pregnancy and lactation:

Used cautiously in pregnant or lactating animals.

Side effects:

Vomiting, diarrhea, decreased appetite, liver damage, kidney damage, dry eye, methemoglobinemia
 

General description

Acetaminophen is a pain reliever and fever reducer that is occasionally used in dogs and small mammals. It is not labeled in the USA for use in animals, therefore any such use is off-label. It can be used in combination products containing codeine, hydrocodone, or tramadol. It should never be used in cats, ferrets, hedgehogs, or sugar gliders.

Uses

Acetaminophen can be used in veterinary medicine to control pain and reduce fever in dogs and small mammals.

How it works

Acetaminophen relieves pain and reduces fever by inhibiting cyclooxygenase (COX-3; Cox-1-v1).

Dosage

**Dogs**: 10 – 15 milligrams per kilogram orally every 8 – 12 hours. If using long term, give the lowest and least frequent dose possible. **Mice, Rats, Gerbils, Hamsters, Guinea pigs, Chinchillas**: 1 – 2 milligrams per milliliter in drinking water.

Forms

There are many different products of acetaminophen available. Acetaminophen is available in 160 milligram, 325 milligram, and 500 milligram tablets, capsules or caplets; 80 milligram chewable tablets; oral liquids in several different concentrations. Also 80 milligram, 120 milligram, 125 milligram, 300 milligram, 325 milligram, and 650 milligram rectal suppositories. Combinations with other analgesics (codeine phosphate, hydrocodone, tramadol, or oxycodone) are also available.

Storage information & handling

Acetaminophen tablets and liquid suspensions should be stored in a childproof container at room temperature in a location out of reach of animals.

What results can I expect?

Relief of pain and/or reduction of fever.

Missed Dosage

It is best to give the medication at the same time every day without skipping doses. If you miss a dose, give it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to the normal schedule. Do not give 2 doses at the same time.

Overdose / acute toxicity

Vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, facial and paw swelling, labored breathing, gray colored gums, and jaundice may be seen in cases of overdose. If you think your pet has had an overdose seek veterinarian care immediately.

Side effects

Acetaminophen is infrequently used in veterinary medicine, so information regarding possible side effects is limited. * Vomiting * Diarrhea * Decreased appetite * Liver damage with jaundice * Kidney damage * Dry eye (keratoconjunctivitis sicca) * Methemoglobinemia

Contraindications

* Previous sensitivity * Do not use in cats, ferrets, hedgehogs, or sugar gliders * Liver disease

Drug interactions

Consult your veterinarian before using acetaminophen with any other medications, even vitamins and supplements. Barbiturates, non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, corticosteroids, diazepam, doxorubicin, fenbendazole, isoniazid, phenothiazines, propylene glycol, and anti-coagulants may interact with acetaminophen.

Precaution

Acetaminophen must be avoided in cats, ferrets, hedgehogs, and sugar gliders at any dose due to significant toxicity. Acetaminophen should be given to dogs and some small mammals only under close veterinary supervision due to the potential for toxicity.

Laboratory considerations

May cause false-positive results for urinary 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid.

Related Questions

left image

My dog I heated uses tampon is it an emergency

Unfortunately I'm having a little trouble understand your question as I'm not sure what you mean by "My dog I heated uses tampons..." I'm wondering if Bella ate a tampon or if you wanted to use one on her while she is in heat. I will answer both to be safe. If she ate a tampon, then yes this is a medical emergency and she has to see a vet now. Tampons can easily cause obstructions in the GI tract, especially since they are absorbent and can get large in the stomach from liquid in there. if Bella ate a tampon, you need to take her into a vet immediately to get it removed. If she is on heat, no you cannot use a tampon to control her bleeding. It's not safe to use at all, and are not meant for dogs. You can put a diaper on her to catch any bloody discharge. There are dog specific diapers online and at pets stores, or you can use one made of a human child. Just cut a hole in it for her tail. Hopefully this answers your question. If it doesn't, I'm sorry and ask you post again in the forum for free to it can get answered!

Read More

I have a cat that as a kitten was very ill. We got him from 7 months old. We knew he’d had cat flu prior to him coming here. He is now nearly 5 yrs old. He picks huge fights with our other cat. He keeps urinating and scratching at doors and windows around the house. We allow him to go out via the cat flap unlimited. What is happening to him

I'm glad to see that Pippin has been neutered because this eliminates that possibility of hormone-fueled behavioral changes and aggression. Behavioral changes in cats can occur at any point in time, and could be related to anxiety or stressful situations (even rearranging furniture or introducing new people to the home can be stressful to cats). Without a lot more information and observing Pippin's behaviors, I can't precisely tell you why these changes are occurring. It may be best to consult a veterinary behaviorist in your home so that they can observe everything firsthand. You can also try using calming pheromone collars or diffusers (Feliway is one example), and discussing the use of anxiety medication with Pippin's vet. I hope that all goes well!

Read More

Hi! My cat was recently diagnosed with diabetes. He’s taking insulin and taking antibiotics for a Uti. It’s been 4 weeks and he wobles when he’s walking. He can’t jump up on the bed like he used to.He’s blood sugar is 250 it’s better than it used to. I don’t understand why he’s so wobbly.

Cats can develop what's called diabetic neuropathy, where their hindlegs become progressively weak. The best thing to do is try to get his diabetes under control as quickly as possible. Here is a link describing the conditon: http://www.diabeticcatcare.com/DCCCOK/Neuropathy.htm

Read More

My senior cat has metastized cancer.17 yrs old. My vet gave her predizone1 and one half tabs a day.i wanted to know if i can just stop the meds.

Is there a reason you want to stop the prednisone? I would recommend not stopping it and if you feel it is better to stop the prednisone then I would recommend weaning off of the prednisone. I would discuss how to wean the prednisone with your veterinarian. Thank you for using Boop by Petco.

Read More

My dog has an ear infection

Sorry to hear Marley isn't doing so well with his ears. It is not possible to tell from tge picture tve exact nature of the irritation but if it is indeed infected (typically red, hot, painful and smelly), he will need prescription medication from his regular vet. In the meantime I recommend gently cleaning tge outer war with cotton wool and a pet safe ear cleaner to reduce the build up of wax/discharge

Read More

My dog vomited a pinkish colour. Does this look like blood vomit? She doesn’t have diarrhoea or anything else. Yesterday i fed her plain chicken with rice.

That is very red vomit, however, this color could be linked to a number of things including blood in the vomit, inflammation of the GI tract, having chewed on a toy this color, eaten a food item this color, or gotten into a plant or other item this color. If the vomiting continues, worsens, or other symptoms appear such as a painful or bloated abdomen, diarrhea or blood in the stool, or severe distress, I would schedule a veterinary appointment right away to rule out more severe issues. In the meantime I would continue the bland diet for 24 hours, and monitor for any additional vomiting or illness symptoms.

Read More

right image
image

Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Book Now

Disclaimer

The information contained on this page is for educational purposes only. This medication should only be given under the advice of a veterinarian who has examined your pet under the laws applicable to your state of residence.