What is acetaminophen?
Acetaminophen, also known as paracetamol, is an analgesic (pain reliever) and fever-reducing medication. It is used to treat pain and fever in dogs. Acetaminophen should only be given under the direction of a veterinarian.
There is no approved veterinary brand of acetaminophen. It is used off label in some veterinary species, including dogs, rabbits, miniature pigs, and some rodents.
Many drugs are commonly prescribed for off-label use in veterinary medicine. “Off label” means the drug is being used in a way that has not been reviewed or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or Health Canada. In these instances, follow your veterinarian’s directions and cautions carefully, as they may be significantly different from those on the label.
NEVER use acetaminophen in cats or ferrets. In these species, acetaminophen is toxic at any dose.
How do I give my pet acetaminophen?
- Acetaminophen is given by mouth as a capsule, tablet, or liquid suspension. There is also an injectable form for in-hospital use. It may be combined with other pain medication.
- Measure liquid forms of this medication carefully, using a medication measuring device.
- Acetaminophen may be given with food or on an empty stomach.
- If your dog vomits or appears unwell when dosed on an empty stomach, give future doses with a small amount of food. Contact your veterinarian if the vomiting persists.
- Give this medication to your pet for the entire time prescribed by your veterinarian, even if it appears that your pet is feeling better.
This medication will take effect within 1 to 2 hours and improvement in clinical signs should follow.
What if I miss giving my pet the medication?
If you miss a dose, give it as soon as you remember, and then continue with the regular dosing schedule. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume the regular dosing schedule. Do not give the pet two doses at once or give extra doses.
Are there any potential side effects?
Acetaminophen may cause the following side effects:
- Reduced appetite, vomiting
- Diarrhea
The following reactions are rare, but if they occur, stop giving acetaminophen and contact your veterinarian immediately:
- An allergic reaction such as irregular breathing, rash, fever, or puffiness and swelling around the face
- Yellowing of the whites of the eyes, skin, or gums (jaundice)
- Bloated, painful abdomen
- Profuse vomiting or diarrhea
- No appetite
- Black tarry stools or bleeding
Some human over-the-counter (OTC) acetaminophen products may contain xylitol or other inactive ingredients that can be harmful to animals. Only give acetaminophen as directed by your veterinarian and only use the specific product they advise.
Drug sensitivities can develop over time with repeated exposure. Your pet may have no reaction after the first few doses but may develop a sensitivity later. It is important to watch for signs of an allergic reaction over the entire course of treatment.
Other side effects may occur. If you notice anything unusual, contact your veterinarian immediately. This short-acting medication should stop working after 24 hours, although effects can be longer in pets with liver or kidney disease.
Are there any risk factors for this medication?
DO NOT USE acetaminophen in:
- Cats or ferrets: even small amounts of acetaminophen in these species can be fatal
- Hedgehogs and sugar gliders: safety is unknown
- Animals with known allergies to any components
USE WITH CAUTION in:
- Pets with liver disease
- Pets experiencing gastrointestinal issues
- Pets that are using other pain medications and fever-reducing drugs
Are there any drug interactions I should be aware of?
Certain medications should be used WITH CAUTION when given with acetaminophen, including:
- Acepromazine
- Chloramphenicol
- Cholestyramine
- Doxorubicin
- Local anesthetics (e.g., lidocaine)
- Metoclopramide
- Phenobarbital and other barbiturates
- Penicillin G/procaine
- Propylene glycol
- Rifampin
- Verdinexor
Be sure to tell your veterinarian about any medications (including vitamins, supplements, or herbal therapies) that your pet is taking before starting any new treatment.
Is any monitoring needed with this medication?
- Your veterinarian may prescribe two different medications, and a drug interaction may be anticipated. In this case, your veterinarian may vary the dose or monitor your pet more closely.
- Your veterinarian may schedule follow-up visits for monitoring. In this case, follow your veterinarian’s directions.
- At home, monitor for any side effects such as those noted above. If any side effects occur, discontinue the medication and contact your veterinarian.
How do I store acetaminophen?
- Store this medication at room temperature, in a tightly sealed container, out of direct sunlight.
- Keep capsules away from moisture.
- Store compounded forms of this medication according to the label.
- Keep medication out of reach of children and pets.
What should I do in case of emergency?
If you suspect an overdose or an adverse reaction to the medication, call your veterinary office immediately. If they are not available, follow their directions in contacting an emergency facility. Be prepared to provide information about the product and your pet's weight and symptoms.
