ACETAMINOPHEN

(ah-seet-a-min-a-fen) Tylenol®, APAP, Paracetamol

ORAL ANALGESIC, ANTIPYRETIC
Prescriber Highlights
Contraindicated in cats at any dosage; ferrets may be as sensitive to
acetaminophen as cats
At recommended dosages, not overly toxic to dogs, rodents, or
rabbits. Dogs are more susceptible to red blood cell toxicity than are
humans, so dose carefully.
Often used in combined dosage forms with codeine; see codeine
monograph for more information
Uses/Indications
Acetaminophen is occasionally used as an oral analgesic in dogs and small
mammals. It may be particularly beneficial in dogs with renal dysfunction for
the treatment of chronic pain conditions. In situations where moderate pain
occurs, it may be used in combination products containing codeine,
hydrocodone, or tramadol. See the codeine, hydrocodone and tramadol
monographs for more information on the use of acetaminophen combination
preparations.
Pharmacology/Actions
Acetaminophen’s exact mechanism of actions are not completely understood;
it
produces analgesia and antipyresis via a weak, reversible, isoformnonspecific
inhibition of cyclooxygenase (COX-3; Cox-1–v1). Unlike aspirin,
it does not possess significant antiinflammatory activity nor inhibit platelet
function when given at clinically recommended dosages.