Acetaminophen
Acetaminophen
medications
Alternate names
Tylenol, paracetamol, APAP, Percocet, Panadol, Excedrin, Feverall
Toxicity to pets
Acetaminophen is a popular over-the-counter analgesic and antipyretic medication and is also present in some prescription pain medications. Pet owners should be on the lookout for acetaminophen in products labeled for “cold and flu symptoms”, “allergies”, and “fever.” While this drug is safe for human use, it has a narrower margin of safety in dogs and especially cats. Cats have a decreased ability to metabolize acetaminophen in their liver, making them much more susceptible to poisoning than most other species.
- Lethargy
- Swelling of the face and/or paws
- Difficulty breathing
- Brown or blue gums
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Decreased appetite
- Jaundice
Dogs
Cats
Toxicity Level
Mild
Disclaimer
The content of this page is not veterinary advice. A number of factors (amount of substance ingested, size of the animal, allergies, etc.) determine what is toxic to a particular pet. If you think your pet has eaten something potentially toxic, call Pet Poison Helpline or seek immediate veterinary treatment.