Competitive inhibitor of alcohol dehydrogenase with ~8000x greater affinity than ethanol, preventing ethylene glycol metabolism to toxic metabolites (glycoaldehyde, glycolate, oxalate).
At a glance
Class
Alcohol Dehydrogenase Inhibitor / Antidote
Storage
Store at room temperature; may solidify below 25°C — warm to dissolve
Dosing
Drug of choice for ethylene glycol toxicity in dogs
Frequency
5 doses over 36h
Cats require MUCH higher doses (6x)
Frequency
4 doses over 36h
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 →Safety
Ethylene glycol levelsRenal function q12hUrinalysis (calcium oxalate crystals)Serum osmolalityBlood gas
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 →Interactions
No documented interactions.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
›What is Fomepizole?
Fomepizole is a alcohol dehydrogenase inhibitor / antidote used in pets. Competitive inhibitor of alcohol dehydrogenase with ~8000x greater affinity than ethanol, preventing ethylene glycol metabolism to toxic metabolites (glycoaldehyde, glycolate, oxalate).
›What is Fomepizole used for in pets?
Fomepizole is used in veterinary medicine for: Drug of choice for ethylene glycol toxicity in dogs; Cats require MUCH higher doses (6x).
›What is the Fomepizole dose for dogs?
For dogs, Fomepizole is typically dosed as follows — Drug of choice for ethylene glycol toxicity in dogs: 20 mg/kg IV (over 30 min) 5 doses over 36h. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What is the Fomepizole dose for cats?
For cats, Fomepizole is typically dosed as follows — Cats require MUCH higher doses (6x): 125 mg/kg IV 4 doses over 36h. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›Does Fomepizole need a prescription?
Yes. Fomepizole is a prescription medication and should only be administered under veterinary supervision.
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 →References
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