|
ACETAMINOPHEN (TYLENOLÒ) |
|
Source |
| There are many over-the-counter cold and flu
remedies that contain TylenolÒ
in varying concentrations. |
| Symptoms |
| Signs of toxicity may be present as soon as one hour after
ingestion, but usually occur within 6-24 hours. Symptoms occur secondary to
the effect of the drug on blood cells and liver cells. |
- Progressive depression
- Weakness and/or incoordination
- Rapid or labored breathing
- Elevated heart rate
- Chocolate-brown colored gums
- Dark colored urine
- Vomiting
- Swelling of the neck, face and limbs (typically in cats)
- Jaundice
- Abdominal discomfort (colic)
- Low body temperature
|
| Toxicity |
| Toxicity is caused by an active metabolite of acetaminophen
that causes severe damage to the liver and red blood cells. Acetaminophen
toxicity is seen mostly in cats because they are extremely sensitive to it. |
| Diagnosis |
| Diagnosis is based on clinical signs and blood work.
Although special tests are available to detect the presence of acetaminophen
and its metabolites in the blood, these tests are not frequently used in
veterinary medicine due to the expense and length of time it takes to get
the results. |
| Treatment |
| Treatment initially consists of eliminating the
acetaminophen from the body. This is partially accomplished by making the
animal vomit (if the ingestion was within 2 hours) to help remove any
remaining drug from the stomach. Your veterinarian may then give your pet an
activated charcoal suspension that helps prevent further absorption of any
acetaminophen that is still in the intestinal tract. A specific antidote, N-acetylcysteine
(NAC, MucomystÒ), is
available for acetaminophen toxicity. It is expensive, but will greatly
improve survival if administered early enough. Hospitalization for
supportive care and monitoring is usually necessary. |
| Prognosis
|
| With early and aggressive treatment, the prognosis in cases
of acetaminophen ingestion in dogs is favorable. Cats are exquisitely
sensitive to acetaminophen and have a poor prognosis for surviving ingestion
of even small doses of this drug if not treated early and aggressively. |
|
