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Veterinary Pharmacy Articles

Acetaminophen

Why has my veterinarian prescribed this medicine?

Acetaminophen may be used in dogs to relieve pain and reduce fever. This medication should not be given to cats.

How do I give this medication?

Give this medication to your dog as directed by your veterinarian.
Do not give the medicine more often than directed
Try to give this medication at about the same time each day.
Do not give the pet more medicine than directed and do not give more often than directed.

What do I do if I miss giving a dose?

Give the dose as soon as possible. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose, and continue with the regular schedule. Do not give the pet two doses at once.

How do I store this medicine?

Keep this medicine out of reach of children.
Store this medicine in a cool, dry place at room temperature. Store away from heat and direct sunlight.
Do not store this medicine in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink or in damp places. The medicine may break down if exposed to heat or moisture.

Potential Side Effects

There is a chance that the dog may experience some stomach upset. If this occurs, try giving the medication with food.
If given for a long time, the veterinarian may monitor liver and kidney function and do some blood tests.
Other side effects may occur, if you notice anything unusual, contact your veterinarian.

Possible Drug Interactions

Make sure to tell your veterinarian what other medication you are giving to your pet.
Quite often your veterinarian may prescribe two different medications, even if a drug interaction may occur. In this case, your veterinarian may vary the dose and/or monitor your pet more closely.
If given in large doses, acetaminophen may increase the affect of blood thinning drugs (e.g. coumarin)
Use of acetaminophen with other pain medication (e.g. aspirin, ibuprofen) may lead to kidney problems.

The Pet Health Library contains information on some of the most common medical problems of dogs and cats. This information is designed to assist pet owners in better understanding their pets' health problems.

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