CONTRIBUTOR(S): Vetstream Ltd, Jo Murrell,
Medication: Paracetamol
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Your dog has been prescribed paracetamol for management of pain or to reduce a fever.
ℹ️Key points: • Possibly reduces prostaglandin synthesis in the brain. • Poor anti-inflammatory action. • Do not use in animals with liver, heart or kidney disease. • Do not use in animals with bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract. • Do not use if blood dyscrasia (blood cell or bone marrow abnormality) present. • Use with care in older animals or animals less than 6 weeks old. • Use with care in animals with dehydration, low blood volume or pressure as risk of kidney damage is increased.
ℹ️This information sheet is designed to help answer commonly asked questions and help you give the medication safely and effectively to your pet. It does not contain all available information for this medication. If you have other questions or need more information, contact your veterinarian or pharmacist. ⚠️Always follow the dosing instructions provided by your veterinarian.Name, Brand names, Class of medication and Storage
Name
- Paracetamol (PARA-see-ta-mol) also known as acetaminophen (A-SEE-ta-mean-afen).
Brand name
- Pardale-V® (UK).
- Paracetamol (UK), generic not licensed for dogs.
- Perfalgan® (IV preparation, UK and US).
- Acetaminophen (US), human formulation.
- Tylenol (US), human formulation.
Class of medication
- Prostaglandin inhibitor
Storage
- Store at room temperature (15-30°C).
- Store away from heat, moisture and sunlight.
Why has my dog been prescribed paracetamol?
Your veterinarian has prescribed paracetamol to help in the management of chronic pain such as arthritis or back pain. Your veterinarian may also give paracetamol post-surgery to help control acute pain. Paracetamol has limited effect when used alone and will usually be prescribed alongside other medications to manage pain. Alternatively, paracetamol may be prescribed to reduce a fever.
How is the medication given?
The product is available as tablets and can be given by mouth. There is an injectable form that can be given by a veterinarian.
Are there any side-effects or drug interactions?
The following side-effects have been reported:
- Occasionally transient vomiting and diarrhea (but fewer effects than other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs).
- Rarely lethargy or poor appetite.
- Overdose can cause liver damage.
Drug interactions
- Metoclopramide can increase absorption of paracetamol.
How long will my dog need to receive this medication?
Paracetamol should be administered according to your veterinarian’s instructions. If no improvement is seen within a few weeks, your veterinarian may recommend a different course of therapy. You should never change or stop any treatment without consulting your veterinarian.
How should I dispose of this medication if I don’t use it all?
Dispose of any unused medication safely - do not flush down the toilet or sink. Ask your veterinary team if they take back medication for disposal. Do not save for future use or give to other pets.
What if I miss a dose or give an extra dose?
If you miss a dose, give the dose as soon as possible but do not give a double dose. Make sure the dose given does not exceed the total recommended dose in any 24-hour period.
My dog is unwell, should I still give the drug?
If your pet is unwell, contact your veterinarian for advice.
What should I do if this medication is accidentally given to another pet or taken by a human?
Paracetamol should only be given to the dog that it has been prescribed for:
- Do not give to other pets in the household
- Use with care in pregnant or lactating dogs and only if advised by your veterinarian
- If accidentally given to other pets, contact your veterinarian for advice.
- Paracetamol is extremely toxic to cats – never administer paracetamol to a cat.
Will my dog need to be monitored while on paracetamol?
Your veterinarian will want to make regular checks on your pet if they are receiving any long term therapy to ensure the drugs they are receiving are effective and to adjust the doses if necessary. Ongoing management of the underlying disorder may be needed.
Further information
If you have any concerns, further information on paracetamol can be found on the package insert and the following websites:Europe & UK
- Pardale - V Oral tablets (400 mg paracetamol; 9 mg codeine); it is not thought that codeine has any analgesic effect in these tablets: https://www.noahcompendium.co.uk/?id=-450074
- Perfalgan – 10 mg/ml solution for injection (50 mg or 100 mg vial): https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.60.pdf
US
- There are no licensed products for cats or dogs.