Inhibits central COX pathways and activates descending serotonergic inhibitory pathways; lacks significant peripheral anti-inflammatory activity
At a glance
Class
Non-opioid analgesic / antipyretic
Dosing
Mild to moderate pain / fever
Max dose
500 mg/dose; 1500 mg/day
Duration: 3-5 days maximum
CONTRAINDICATED — LETHAL IN CATS
Duration: NEVER — lethal to cats at any dose
Safety
Absolute contraindications — do not use
CATS — ALL DOSES LETHAL
CRITICAL: Paracetamol is LETHAL in cats. Cats lack UDP-glucuronosyltransferase and cannot metabolise paracetamol. Even 10mg/kg causes fatal methemoglobinaemia, Heinz body anaemia, and hepatic necrosis. A single 500mg tablet can kill an adult cat. NEVER administer to any cat.
Hepatic disease (dogs)
Hepatically metabolised — toxic metabolite NAPQI accumulates in liver disease
Concurrent NSAIDs (dogs)
Increased hepatotoxicity risk
MeloxicamCarprofen
Adverse effects
Serious
Hepatotoxicity/liver failure (dogs — overdose)
Methemoglobinaemia (ALL CATS, dogs at high doses)
Heinz body anaemia (CATS)
Facial/paw oedema (CATS)
Death (CATS)
Liver enzymes (ALT, ALP) in dogsMucous membrane colourPCV and methemoglobin levels if overdose suspected
Interactions
No documented interactions.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
›What is Paracetamol (Acetaminophen)?
Paracetamol (Acetaminophen) is a non-opioid analgesic / antipyretic used in pets. Inhibits central COX pathways and activates descending serotonergic inhibitory pathways; lacks significant peripheral anti-inflammatory activity
›What is Paracetamol (Acetaminophen) used for in pets?
Paracetamol (Acetaminophen) is used in veterinary medicine for: Mild to moderate pain / fever; CONTRAINDICATED — LETHAL IN CATS.
›What is the Paracetamol (Acetaminophen) dose for dogs?
For dogs, Paracetamol (Acetaminophen) is typically dosed as follows — Mild to moderate pain / fever: 10–15 mg/kg PO BID-TID. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What is the Paracetamol (Acetaminophen) dose for cats?
For cats, Paracetamol (Acetaminophen) is typically dosed as follows — CONTRAINDICATED — LETHAL IN CATS: 0 mg/kg DO NOT USE. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What are the side effects of Paracetamol (Acetaminophen)?
Common: Mild GI upset in dogs. Serious (call your vet immediately): Hepatotoxicity/liver failure (dogs — overdose), Methemoglobinaemia (ALL CATS, dogs at high doses), Heinz body anaemia (CATS), Facial/paw oedema (CATS), Death (CATS).
›Does Paracetamol (Acetaminophen) need a prescription?
Paracetamol (Acetaminophen) is available over the counter. Even so, you should consult your veterinarian before giving any medication to your pet.
›When should Paracetamol (Acetaminophen) not be used?
Do not use Paracetamol (Acetaminophen) if: CATS — ALL DOSES LETHAL; Hepatic disease (dogs); Concurrent NSAIDs (dogs).
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.
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