Ticarcillin / Clavulanate
Also known as: Timentin, Claventin
> **Note:** This medication is primarily used as an injectable drug in a hospital setting for severe, life-threatening infections. * **Compounded Ear Drops:** If your veterinarian has prescribed this as a compounded ear drop for stubborn *Pseudomonas* infections, keep the aliquots (syringes/vials) **frozen** until needed. Thaw individual doses just before use as directed. * **Side Effects:** Watch for signs of an allergic reaction (facial swelling, hives, difficulty breathing) or severe diarrhea, and contact your veterinarian immediately if these occur. * **Bleeding Risk:** Rarely, this drug can affect blood clotting. Report any unusual bruising or bleeding.
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
- Sepsis
- Pseudomonas sepsis/bacteremia
- Resistant Pseudomonas infections
- Susceptible infections
- Serious systemic infections
- Pseudomonas otitis (adjunct)
- Susceptible infections
- Neonatal septicemia (Foals)
- Susceptible infections (Foals)
- Intrauterine infusion
- Sepsis
- Susceptible infections
- Pseudomonas sepsis/bacteremia
- Adjunctive treatment of Pseudomonas otitis
How it is given
Possible side effects
- Hypersensitivity reactions (allergic reactions)
- Platelet dysfunction and bleeding (especially at high doses or with renal impairment)
- CNS effects including headache, giddiness, hallucinations, and seizures (at high doses)
- Pain at intramuscular (IM) injection sites
- Phlebitis or local vein irritation (IV administration)
- Antibiotic-associated diarrhea or colitis
- Nausea
- Diarrhoea
- Skin rashes
Cautions & contraindications
- Documented hypersensitivity to penicillins or other beta-lactam antibiotics
- Known hypersensitivity to penicillins or other beta-lactam antibiotics
- Dosage adjustments should be made in patients with significantly impaired renal function. Patients receiving very high dosages or those with renal impairment are more prone to developing platelet function abnormalities (bleeding) or CNS toxicity. IV administration should be given slowly (over at least 30 minutes) using dilute concentrations to avoid vein irritation.
Drug interactions
- Aminoglycosides (e.g., amikacin, gentamicin, tobramycin): In vitro synergy against certain bacteria; however, penicillins can chemically inactivate aminoglycosides in vitro and in vivo (especially in renal failure or at massive doses). Do not mix in the same syringe or IV line.
- Probenecid: Reduces renal tubular secretion of ticarcillin, maintaining higher systemic levels for a longer duration (does not affect clavulanate elimination).
- Warfarin: Increased risk of bleeding due to potential ticarcillin-induced platelet dysfunction; use with caution.
- Heparin: Increased risk of bleeding due to potential ticarcillin-induced platelet dysfunction; use with caution.
- Aminoglycosides (e.g., gentamicin): Mutual inactivation if mixed in the same syringe. However, there is significant synergism in vivo against Pseudomonas when administered separately.
Frequently asked questions
What is Ticarcillin / Clavulanate used for in pets?
> **Note:** This medication is primarily used as an injectable drug in a hospital setting for severe, life-threatening infections. * **Compounded Ear Drops:** If your veterinarian has prescribed this as a compounded ear drop for stubborn *Pseudomonas* infections, keep the aliquots (syringes/vials) **frozen** until needed. Thaw individual doses just before use as directed. * **Side Effects:** Watch for signs of an allergic reaction (facial swelling, hives, difficulty breathing) or severe diarrhea, and contact your veterinarian immediately if these occur. * **Bleeding Risk:** Rarely, this drug can affect blood clotting. Report any unusual bruising or bleeding.
Is Ticarcillin / Clavulanate 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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