Amoxicillin/Clavulanate Potassium
Also known as: Clavamox, Augmentin, Amoclan
* **Administration:** You can give this medication with or without food. However, if your pet experiences stomach upset (vomiting or loss of appetite), giving the dose with a small meal or treat can help. * **Storage of Liquid:** If you are using the oral liquid suspension, it is best kept in the refrigerator. **Discard any unused liquid after 10 days**, as it loses its effectiveness. * **Completion of Therapy:** Always finish the entire prescription as directed by your veterinarian, even if your pet seems completely better. Stopping early can lead to resistant infections. * **Side Effects:** Mild diarrhea or vomiting can occur. Contact your veterinarian if these signs become severe or if your pet stops eating.
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
What it is used for
- Susceptible infections
- Gram-positive infections
- Gram-negative infections
- Susceptible UTI's
- Susceptible skin, soft tissue infections
- Susceptible sepsis, pneumonia
- Susceptible infections
- Susceptible infections
- Susceptible infections (Ratites)
- Susceptible infections
- Susceptible UTI's
- Susceptible skin, soft tissue infections
- Susceptible deep pyodermas
- Systemic bacteremia
How it is given
Possible side effects
- Gastrointestinal upset (anorexia, vomiting, diarrhea)
- Hypersensitivity reactions (rashes, fever, eosinophilia, anaphylaxis)
- Antibiotic-associated diarrhea and superinfections (due to altered gut flora)
- Neurotoxicity (e.g., ataxia in dogs) at very high doses or prolonged use
- Elevated liver enzymes (rare)
- Tachypnea, dyspnea, edema, and tachycardia (rarely reported in dogs)
Cautions & contraindications
- Patients with a history of hypersensitivity to penicillins
- Small hindgut fermenters (rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas, hamsters) due to risk of fatal clostridial enterotoxemia
- Oral administration in patients with septicemia, shock, or grave illness (due to delayed/diminished GI absorption)
- > **WARNING FOR EXOTIC PETS:** Do not administer penicillins to rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas, or hamsters, as severe enteritis and fatal clostridial enterotoxemia may occur. * **Cross-Reactivity:** Use cautiously in patients with documented hypersensitivity to other beta-lactam antibiotics (e.g., cephalosporins, carbapenems). * **Critically Ill Patients:** Avoid oral administration in patients in shock or with septicemia due to unreliable gastrointestinal absorption. * **Laboratory Interference:** May cause false-positive urine glucose determinations when using cupric sulfate solutions (e.g., Clinitest®).
Drug interactions
- Bacteriostatic Antimicrobials (e.g., chloramphenicol, macrolides, tetracyclines, sulfonamides): Theoretical in vitro antagonism; clinical importance is currently in doubt but historically not recommended to combine.
- Methotrexate: Amoxicillin may decrease the renal excretion of methotrexate, causing increased levels and potential toxic effects.
- Probenecid: Competitively blocks the tubular secretion of most penicillins, thereby increasing serum levels and serum half-lives.
- Aminoglycosides: In vitro inactivation can occur if mixed together; serum concentrations of aminoglycosides may be falsely decreased if stored prior to analysis.
Frequently asked questions
What is Amoxicillin/Clavulanate Potassium used for in pets?
* **Administration:** You can give this medication with or without food. However, if your pet experiences stomach upset (vomiting or loss of appetite), giving the dose with a small meal or treat can help. * **Storage of Liquid:** If you are using the oral liquid suspension, it is best kept in the refrigerator. **Discard any unused liquid after 10 days**, as it loses its effectiveness. * **Completion of Therapy:** Always finish the entire prescription as directed by your veterinarian, even if your pet seems completely better. Stopping early can lead to resistant infections. * **Side Effects:** Mild diarrhea or vomiting can occur. Contact your veterinarian if these signs become severe or if your pet stops eating.
Is Amoxicillin/Clavulanate Potassium safe for my pet?
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell, please consult a veterinarian.
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