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Acetaminophen

Non-Opioid Analgesic / Antipyretic
Last reviewed 21 Apr 2026 · PetCare.AI Editorial Team
Species
Dog, Cat
Brands
3 available
Interactions
2 documented
Formulations
3

Mechanism of action

Centrally acting analgesic and antipyretic that inhibits COX enzymes in the CNS (primarily COX-3 variant), reducing prostaglandin synthesis centrally. Minimal peripheral anti-inflammatory activity. Metabolized by hepatic glucuronidation and sulfation; toxic metabolite NAPQI normally detoxified by glutathione.

At a glance

Class
Non-Opioid Analgesic / Antipyretic
Schedule
OTC
Storage
Store at room temperature below 25°C

Dosing

🐕

Dog

Use with extreme caution — narrow safety margin
Dose
10–15 mg/kg
Route
PO
Frequency
q8–12h
🐈

Cat

ABSOLUTE CONTRAINDICATION in cats
Dose
—
Route
N, A
Frequency
N/A

Formulations

💊

Other — 3

Strength
—
Strength
—
Strength
—

Storage

Store at room temperature below 25°C

Safety

Monitoring parameters

Hepatic enzymes (ALT, AST)Methemoglobin level if toxicity suspectedPCV/hematocritMucous membrane color

Interactions

Major — 2

Phenobarbital
major
Phenobarbital induces CYP2E1 and CYP1A2, increasing formation of toxic NAPQI metabolite from acetaminophen, dramatically increasing hepatotoxicity risk even at therapeutic doses.
Management: Avoid acetaminophen in patients on phenobarbital. If analgesic needed, use NSAID or opioid instead.
Meloxicam
major
Concurrent acetaminophen and NSAID: additive hepatotoxicity risk. Both are hepatically metabolized; NSAID-induced prostaglandin inhibition may reduce hepatic blood flow, concentrating acetaminophen metabolites.
Management: Avoid combining. Use one analgesic class. If combining, use lowest effective doses and monitor hepatic enzymes.

Brands

Other markets

Tylenol
Paracetamol
Calpol

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

›What is Acetaminophen?
Acetaminophen is a non-opioid analgesic / antipyretic used in pets. Centrally acting analgesic and antipyretic that inhibits COX enzymes in the CNS (primarily COX-3 variant), reducing prostaglandin synthesis centrally. Minimal peripheral anti-inflammatory activity. Metabolized by hepatic glucuronidation and sulfation; toxic metabolite NAPQI normally detoxified by glutathione.
›What is Acetaminophen used for in pets?
Acetaminophen is used in veterinary medicine for: Use with extreme caution — narrow safety margin; ABSOLUTE CONTRAINDICATION in cats.
›What is the Acetaminophen dose for dogs?
For dogs, Acetaminophen is typically dosed as follows — Use with extreme caution — narrow safety margin: 10–15 mg/kg PO q8–12h. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What is the Acetaminophen dose for cats?
For cats, Acetaminophen is typically dosed as follows — ABSOLUTE CONTRAINDICATION in cats: undefined undefined N/A N/A. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›Does Acetaminophen need a prescription?
Acetaminophen is available over the counter. Even so, you should consult your veterinarian before giving any medication to your pet.

References

References

Textbooks & handbooks

  • Plumb, D.C. Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2023.
  • Vail, D.M., Thamm, D.H., & Liptak, J.M. (eds.). Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology. 6th ed., Saunders/Elsevier, 2020.
  • Riviere, J.E., & Papich, M.G. (eds.). Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2018.
  • National Research Council. Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats. National Academies Press, Washington DC, 2006.
  • The Merck Veterinary Manual. Merck & Co., Online edition. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/

Clinical guidelines & consensus

  • Fletcher, D.J., Boller, M., Brainard, B.M., et al. "RECOVER Evidence and Knowledge Gap Analysis on Veterinary CPR." Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care, 2012;22(S1):S102–S131.
  • American Animal Hospital Association. 2018 AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines for Dogs and Cats. AAHA Press.

Journals & peer-reviewed studies

  • Hogan, D.F., Fox, P.R., Jacob, K., et al. "Secondary prevention of cardiogenic arterial thromboembolism in the cat: The FAT CAT study." Journal of Veterinary Cardiology, 2015;17(Suppl 1):S306–S317.
  • Boswood, A., Häggström, J., Gordon, S.G., et al. "Effect of Pimobendan in Dogs with Preclinical Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease and Cardiomegaly: The EPIC Study — A Randomized Clinical Trial." Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 2016;30(6):1765–1779.
  • ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Toxicology and Poison Management Guidelines. American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control

Regulatory & approvals

  • Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), Government of India. Veterinary Drug Approval Registry, 1969–2026. Directorate General of Health Services. https://cdsco.gov.in/

Databases

  • Washington State University, College of Veterinary Medicine. Veterinary Clinical Pharmacology Laboratory (VCPL) — MDR1 Multidrug Sensitivity Database. https://vcpl.vetmed.wsu.edu/
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →

Related medicines

Other medicines in the same class (Non-Opioid Analgesic / Antipyretic).

Paracetamol (Acetaminophen)
Inhibits central COX pathways and activates descending serotonergic inhibitory pathways; lacks significant peripheral anti-inflammatory activity
dogcat