Acetaminophen is an increasingly popular analgesic and antipyretic for use in humans but it can be toxic or fatal in small animals. Phenacetin is another source of acetaminophen with 75- 80% of the drug metabolizing to acetaminophen. In the United States Tylenol is the most recognized trade name for acetaminophen but it is the primary ingredient in most aspirin free pain and cold remedies. In Great Britain acetaminophen is known as paracetamol. The toxic dose in dogs is considered to be 150 -200 mg/kg with dogs generally showing clinical signs at doses of 200 mg/kg or more. Dogs can tolerate up to 15 mg/kg TID but cats are much more sensitive to acetaminophen toxicity due to differences in metabolism between the two species. Treatment The goals of treatment in cases of acetaminophen toxicity are: 1. Decrease absorption from the GI tract 2. Hasten elimination of unchanged acetaminophen 3. Limit formation of NAPQI 4. Provide supportive care and correct dehydration, electrolyte and acid-base abnormalities 5. Restore glutathione levels 6. Eliminate methemoglobin 7. Improve oxygen delivery to tissues All animals should be given supplemental oxygen and be handled with a minimum amount of stress. IV fluids are begun (with fluid loading in hypovolemic patients) to promote diuresis.
Posted on: Sat, 20 Jul 2013 15:52:56 +0000
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