Home/Medicines/Acetaminophen

Acetaminophen

Non-Opioid Analgesic / Antipyretic

Last reviewed 21 Apr 2026 · PetCare.AI Editorial Team

Species

Dog, Cat

Brands

3 available

Interactions

2 documented

Formulations

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

Frequency

q8–12h

🐈

Cat

ABSOLUTE CONTRAINDICATION in cats

Dose

—

Route

N, A

Frequency

N/A

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 →

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

Educational reference only

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.

Educational reference only

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.

Educational reference only

References

The PetCare.AI drug reference is built from 13 authoritative sources cited across 580 drug monographs.

Textbooks & handbooks — 5

Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook
Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology
Merck Veterinary Manual
NRC Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats
Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics (Riviere & Papich)

Clinical guidelines & consensus — 4

ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Guidelines
AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines
ASPCA Poison Control Guidelines
RECOVER CPR Guidelines

Journals & peer-reviewed studies — 2

EPIC Study (J Vet Intern Med 2016)
JVIM FAT CAT Study

Regulatory & approvals — 1

CDSCO Veterinary Drug Approval Registry (1969–2026)

Databases — 1

Washington State University VCPL MDR1 Database

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