Lethargy after Acetaminophen in dogs

20 reports to the FDA describe lethargy in dogs given Acetaminophen. That is 34% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 11% across reports for all dog medicines, so it is reported unusually often with this medicine.

20Reports
95%Marked serious
15%Recovered
60%Died or euthanised
29 daysTypical onset
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How soon it started

Same day
4 22%
1–2 days
3 17%
3–7 days
2 11%
1–4 weeks
4 22%
Over a month
5 28%

How the animals did

Recovered
3 15%
Still unwell when reported
2 10%
Died
1 5.0%
Euthanised
11 55%
Not known
3 15%

Problems reported at the same time

Death
12 60%
Abnormal radiograph finding
9 45%
Blood problems
7 35%
Liver problems
7 35%
Kidney problems
7 35%
Monocytosis
7 35%
Weakness
6 30%

Age of the animals

Under 1 year
2
1–3 years
7
4–7 years
5
8–11 years
3
12+ years
3

About this medicine

Type: medicine.

Questions owners ask

Can Acetaminophen cause lethargy in dogs?
20 reports link the two, but a report alone does not prove the medicine was the cause: other illnesses, other medicines or coincidence can be involved. Your vet can judge it for your animal.
How soon after a dose was it reported?
In half of the reports with dates, it started within 29 days of the first dose.
What should I do?
Don't give another dose until you've spoken to your vet, and keep the packaging so you can tell them the product and dose. Your vet can also report it to the FDA (or you can, through the manufacturer or FDA form 1932a).

Lethargy with similar medicines

All reported side effects of Acetaminophen in dogs · Medicines most reported with lethargy