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Acetylcysteine (Antidotal)

Mucomyst, Acetadote

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Sourced from published veterinary references. Awaiting credentialed clinical reviewer — our editorial process.

Drug Class

Antidote

Routes

IVPO

Indications

Acetaminophen toxicosis

Mechanism of Action

Provides cysteine for hepatic glutathione regeneration, conjugating the toxic NAPQI metabolite of acetaminophen. Also acts as direct free radical scavenger.

Side effects & warnings

IV preferred for severe toxicosis. PO causes vomiting due to taste/smell. Loading dose followed by maintenance. Most effective within 8-10 hours of ingestion.

Species with Acetylcysteine (Antidotal) dosing data (2 dose rules)

Cat (Domestic)Dog (Domestic)

Species references:All Cat (Domestic) drugsAll Dog (Domestic) drugs

Evidence levels across 2 dose rules

Strong×2

Each ExoticRx dose rule is graded by the strength of its primary evidence — see the editorial process.

Backed by a published source

  • · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th Ed; ASPCA Toxicology

Sample dosing (2 of 2 cited rules)

A dog/cat sample is shown here. Cited dosing for all 2 species — reptiles, birds, pocket pets, livestock, and equine — is free on the per-species pages above. Pro adds the weight-based calculator for every species.

SpeciesRouteDoseFrequencyEvidenceSource
Dog (Domestic)IV140 mg/kgLoading 140mg/kg IV, then 70mg/kg q4h x 7 dosesStrongPlumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th Ed; ASPCA Toxicology
Cat (Domestic)IV140 mg/kgLoading 140mg/kg IV, then 70mg/kg q6h x 5-7 dosesStrongPlumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th Ed; ASPCA Toxicology

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Other formulations of Acetylcysteine

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Calculate Dosage for Acetylcysteine (Antidotal)