Acetaminophen/Codeine
“This page provides important general information for pet owners whose animals have been prescribed Acetaminophen/Codeine for pets during a consultation by Dr Noor.”
Key Information
Note: This handout is meant to address questions people often ask. It does not include every detail that exists about this medicine. It also does not replace the guidance you get from your veterinary care team.
- This medicine is used in dogs to help with pain or to help reduce coughing.
- Do not give this medicine to cats or ferrets.
- You can give it with food or without food. If your pet’s stomach seems upset, giving it with food may help.
- Do not give this medicine together with other medicines used for pain or fever unless your veterinarian has told you to do so.
- Side effects that are often seen include sleepiness, trouble passing stool (constipation), vomiting, or eating less.
- This medicine is a controlled drug. It must be used only for the animal it was prescribed for. Giving it to someone else or selling it is against the law.
Description
- This is a combination medicine used for pain.
- Acetaminophen helps reduce pain and lowers fever.
- Codeine is an opioid (a strong pain medicine) and can also help reduce coughing.
- It comes as tablets and as a liquid taken by mouth.
Other common names
Tylenol #2, Tylenol #3, Tylenol #4
Uses
This medicine is not specifically approved for animals, but it is approved for people. Your veterinarian may still choose to prescribe it in a way that is not on the label for animals for:
- Pain control in dogs
- Cough control in dogs
Before this medication is given
No medicine is completely safe for every patient. Talk with your veterinarian about:
- Any other medicines or supplements your animal is currently getting
- Any health problems your animal has now, or has had before
- Any bad reactions or unwanted effects your animal has had from medicines in the past
- What risks may exist if your animal is pregnant or nursing
Warnings for animals
Medicines that contain acetaminophen with codeine must never be used in cats or ferrets. In these animals, acetaminophen can cause death.
Do not use this medicine in dogs that:
- Have an allergy to acetaminophen, codeine, or other opioid medicines
- Have diarrhea caused by something poisonous
- Have very serious breathing trouble or have a blocked digestive tract (a blockage in the stomach or intestines)
- Have used selegiline or linezolid at any time in the last 2 weeks
Use extra care in dogs:
- That have liver problems
- That have digestive tract problems. This medicine can make constipation happen.
- That have thyroid, heart, lung, kidney, or adrenal gland diseases
- That have had a head injury or have a seizure problem
- That are working dogs or service dogs, because they may become too sleepy to do their tasks
Some animal competitions do not allow certain medicines. If your animal competes, check the rules while your animal is taking any medicine.
Warnings for humans
- After you handle any medicine, wash your hands.
How do I give this Acetaminophen/Codeine for pets medication?
Give this medicine exactly the way your veterinarian prescribed it. Always follow what the prescription label says.
- You may give it with food or without food. If your pet gets an upset stomach, giving it with food may help.
- If you are giving the liquid form, measure it with an oral syringe, a medicine measuring cup, or a dosing spoon. Do not use kitchen spoons or other household measuring tools.
Side effects
Common — call your veterinarian if any of these problems are strong, keep happening, or get worse over time:
- Sleepiness
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Eating less
Severe — stop giving the medicine and contact your veterinarian right away if you see any of the following:
- Very heavy sleepiness
- Not eating at all
- Yellow color in the whites of the eyes, the skin, or the gums (jaundice)
- Vomit with blood, which may look bright red or may look like coffee grounds
- Stool that is black and sticky like tar, or stool that has blood in it
- Trouble breathing
How will I know Acetaminophen/Codeine for pets is working?
Your animal should begin to feel better within 1 to 2 days.
If your animal’s signs get worse or do not get better, contact your veterinary clinic.
How long will the medication effects last?
- The medicine will no longer have an effect within 24 hours after the last dose.
- The effect may continue longer if your animal’s kidneys or liver do not work well.
How long do I give it for?
This medicine may be prescribed for different time periods. Keep giving it for the length of time your veterinarian instructs.
If this medicine is used for a long time, it must be reduced slowly over time rather than stopped all at once.
- Stopping suddenly can lead to withdrawal side effects.
- Speak with your veterinarian before you stop giving it.
Overdose
Giving too much acetaminophen/codeine to a dog can be dangerous.
Signs of too much codeine may include breathing problems and very heavy sleepiness.
Signs of too much acetaminophen may include:
- Yellow color of the skin, eyes, or gums
- Vomiting
- Belly pain
- Gums that look blue or brown
- Weakness
- Poor coordination
- Shaking (tremors)
Acetaminophen is very poisonous to cats, and even small amounts can cause death.
If you see or think an overdose has happened, contact your veterinarian right away.
If possible, have the product or the label with you.
Missed dose
In most situations, if you forget a dose:
- Give the dose as soon as you remember. Then go back to the usual schedule.
If it is almost time for the next dose:
- Do not give the missed dose.
- Give the next dose at the regular scheduled time.
- Keep following the normal schedule.
If you are not sure what to do, call your veterinary clinic. Do not give two doses at once and do not give extra doses.
Storage
- Keep the medicine in its original container at room temperature.
- Keep it away from light.
- Store it where children and animals cannot reach it.
- Because this is a controlled drug, keep it in a secure place and out of view.
Disposal
Because this is a controlled drug, get rid of any unused medicine as soon as you can. Do not flush it in a toilet and do not pour it into a sink.
Ways to dispose of unused or expired medicine include:
- Drug take-back locations: This is the preferred option when available. To find a location near you, contact local law enforcement or your local waste management office.
- At-home disposal: Mix the medicine into used coffee grounds or kitty litter, put it into a sealed plastic bag, and place it in the trash.
Do not keep leftover medicine and do not give it to anyone else.
Questions?
Speak with your veterinarian.
“Disclaimer: The information on this page is provided as general educational material only. Every animal’s health situation is unique, and treatment decisions must be based on a full veterinary assessment. Always follow the specific instructions given during your consultation, and contact the prescribing veterinarian if you have any concerns.”