Acetylcysteine for Cat
Cat · Felis catus · typical adult weight 2.50–7.00 kg
Acetylcysteine is used in cat for Acetaminophen toxicity (antidote). Routes documented in cat: IV. A typical adult cat weighs 2.50–7.00 kg. ExoticRx lists 1 cited dose rule for Acetylcysteine in cat, drawn from published veterinary references. Verify against current literature before clinical use.
Trade names: Mucomyst, ACC
Dose ranges
| Route | Dose | Frequency | Duration | Indication | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IV | 140 mg/kg | IV loading, then 70 mg/kg q4h | 72 hours | Acetaminophen toxicity (antidote) | Strong | Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th Ed |
Need the exact dose for your patient?
These ranges are per kg. Enter your cat's weight to get the precise dose and draw-up volume — unit and concentration math done for you.
Mechanism of action
Breaks disulfide bonds in mucus glycoproteins reducing viscosity (mucolytic). Also a glutathione precursor providing hepatoprotection (acetaminophen antidote).
Side effects & warnings
Dual role: mucolytic (nebulized/oral) and acetaminophen antidote (IV/oral). Bronchospasm possible with nebulization — pretreat with bronchodilator. Foul smell.
Species-specific contraindications and adverse-reaction reports for cat may differ from canine / feline reference data — consult the primary citations listed with each rule.
Other Respiratory drugs with cat dosing
Acetylcysteine dosing in other species
Why a species-specific page? Acetylcysteine pharmacokinetics differ across species: dose ranges, intervals, and route preferences are not interchangeable. Cross-extrapolation from canine doses is unsafe in cat — the rules above are the citations specific to this species, not generic recommendations.
Sourced from published veterinary references; awaiting credentialed clinical reviewer. See our editorial process. Reference only — not veterinary advice.