Amoxicillin with Clavulanic Acid

Major Uses

Amoxicillin with clavulanic acid has many uses as a broad-spectrum antibiotic. These include skin and soft tissue infections, respiratory infections, wound infections, and UTIs. Clavulanic acid alone has no antibacterial effects, but is a strong inhibitor of the beta-lactamase enzyme that causes resistance among some bacteria.

Common Precautions

Amoxicillin with Clavulanic acid is not recommended for use in pregnant animals, as Amoxicillin crosses the placenta. It should be used with caution in very small animals or animals that may have kidney or heart disorders. Diarrhea is common when given orally and vomiting may also occur with some animals.

This drug should not be used in animals with a known allergy or hypersensitivity to the drug. Symptoms of an overdose may include facial swelling, scratching, hives, sudden onset of diarrhea, vomiting, seizures, shock, cold limbs, pale gums, or coma.

Storage

Amoxicillin with Clavulanic acid is supplied for animals in tablets of 62.5mg, 125mg, 250mg, and 375mg. It is also available in 62.5 mg/mL suspension in a 4:1 ratio of Amoxicillin to Clavulanic acid.

Administration

Amoxicillin with Clavulanic acid is supplied for animals in tablets of 62.5mg, 125mg, 250mg, and 375mg. It is also available in 62.5 mg/mL suspension in a 4:1 ratio of Amoxicillin to Clavulanic acid.

A typical dose for dogs is 12.5 - 25 mg/kg every 12 hours by mouth. A typical dose for cats is 62.5 mg every 12 hours by mouth. A veterinarian may suggest administering these doses every 8 hours for gram-negative infections. This drug is not recommended for use in large animals as the components cannot be absorbed orally in large species.

If a dose is missed, it should be given as soon as it is remembered. The missed dose should be skipped if it is almost time for the next dose. Two doses should not be given at once. Doses may vary in different species, when the drug is given by a different route or concurrently with other medications, and with regards to a patient's age, breed, and health status. A veterinarian's dosing instructions and/or those printed on the medication label should be followed closely.