Copyright 1999 - 2023. Amoxicillin administered to humans is very different from the veterinary formulation.This variation arises from the chemical components used in making human-grade amoxicillin that can be toxic to canines.These chemicals include Hey doctor, I hope you are having a great day, The answer is: No, not without the express consent and direction of your veterinarian. If not 50mg available, open the 250 mg capsule and divide it into fifths. It can also be helpful to discuss diet and nutrition as well. The bacteria then die. WebThe easiest way to give your cat liquid medication is to mix it in with some canned food. So while amoxicillin is not in itself a toxin, if you suspect your kitty has ingested an overdose of her own amoxicillin or possibly any prescribed for you or a family member at home, always notify your veterinarian and/or get in touch with Animal Poison Control to determine what steps may need to be taken. Im confused and worried. So your vet will be careful about the dose they give you for your cat. .medication-table a{ I have a 6 mo old kitten who weighs under 2 lbs. This could mean that if one of the kitties truly became ill, a medication like Amoxi-Drops or Clavamox may not be as effective as it would otherwise be. Veterinary Website by Beyond Indigo Pets. Even a medication that was once prescribed to an individual pet may no longer be appropriate. Tetracycline for cats is a multipurpose antibiotic typically available as a capsule or tablet. Amoxicillin with clavulanic acid is common in these circumstances. Do you need to toss all those partially used medications you have stashed in your pets medical supplies? .medication-table h5{ How much Amoxicillin is The large volume of urine output and the increased need to drink are not uniquely associated with a UTI but we can see these changes with other metabolic or endocrine diseases, like kidney disease, diabetes, etc. The result is that antibiotics may not be effective in the future when they are really needed. Independence America Holdings Corp. All Rights Reserved. Keep in mind that nail injuries can take a few weeks to fully heal as the newer nail grows out. Liquid amoxicillin needs to be kept in the refrigerator except when you are giving it to your cat. You might be wondering about the amoxicillin dosage for cats. If it was previously clear and it is now cloudy even if it has NOT expired Id question the stability of this medication. Make sure to follow your veterinarians prescription to avoid health complications. If no date can be found, it is safest to consider a medication expired six months after being dispensed. OK, so I'll concede to the second point. One, you mentioned that amoxicillin will address worms. If youre considering adopting a new kitty, please check out some of our breeder pages here. In that case, you can skip the missed dose. Incomplete antibiotic courses, even if not expired, can result in lack of treatment, subjecting the pet to relapse or even antibiotic resistance. Overdose of amoxicillin can lead to poisoning which results in liver and kidney failure in cats. Anyhow, online says Cats: The recommended dosage is 50 mg (510 mg/lb) once a day. While a UTI may be more likely in a female cat, we can also see conditions like bladder stones, and stress-related urinary conditions like idiopathic cystitis, which arent treated with antibiotics. Newborn kittens are susceptible to antibiotics. Give double dose first dose. No To know more about various drugs which can be administered to cats, you can look at this article on Buprenex for cats. Gallon of milk that expired yesterday? However, if there is no color or odor change and it is a few days beyond that date it is probably okay. WebIt is unusual for a cat to have high blood pressure in isolation from something like chronic kidney disease. It can be used alone or as a combination antibiotic like Clavamox. While discontinuing an antibiotic may relieve the side effects, this will also leave the original bacterial infection untreated. They can come as tablets, in liquid form, drops, cream or an injection. Amoxicillin usually comes in both pills and liquid suspension forms. One of the main examples is that misuse of antibiotics will increase bacterial resistance. Use of antibiotics and antiinflammatories for dental procedures may vary based on an individual veterinarians judgment in a particular case. The vet will take a look at your cats medical history, body weight, sex and other factors and will give a very specifically concentrated dose for your cat. They can also be seen on or in the stool. Corticosteroids suppress the immune system (among other things) and if your pet has an infection of any sort, they can make your pets condition worse rather than better. Before you use any liquid medication make sure that the color is the same and there are no abnormalities. One of the most obvious positive sides to these antibiotics is how fast they enter your cats system. WebThe easiest way to give your cat liquid medication is to mix it in with some canned food. Like regular amoxicillin, Clavamox also comes in liquid and pill formulations. It is not worth the risk of a reaction or problem from using expired medications. Oral amoxicillin, like many broad-spectrum antibiotics, can alter the normal, beneficial bacteria in the digestive tract, which is often a cause of digestive upset if it occurs. Prescription Required? text-align: center; Turns out that my veterinary hospital employer follows the pharmacy rules. (2007). One of the most obvious positive sides to these antibiotics is how fast they enter your cats system. Veterinarians can prescribe Amoxicillin for pet use. Amoxicillin administered to humans is very different from the veterinary formulation.This variation arises from the chemical components used in making human-grade amoxicillin that can be toxic to canines.These chemicals include If there are still problems on day 10, take your cat to the vet. There are also other formulations, such as Clavamox. Human amoxicillin dosages are typically inappropriate to use in cats as they are much too high and more likely to lead to unwanted side effects. How much amoxicillin can I give my cat? If a medication is past the expiration date determined by the manufacturer, it is best not to use it. Our customer service department gets a lot of emails from cat lovers about every type of question you can imagine about cats. WebIs Amoxicillin Safe for Cats? It is important to keep in mind that some infections may not be bacterial. These are also often treatable with amoxicillin. A much more serious parasitic worm is Toxoplasma gondii, the infection of which being called toxoplasmosis. Ironically, a fungal or yeast infection may develop. To ensure that your cat swallows all of the medication, it is best to mix it into a small amount of canned food that you feed by hand, rather than mixing it into a full bowl of food that the cat may not completely eat. Cats that suffer from a serious condition will have weaker immune systems and will therefore be more likely to contract bacterial and other infections. This commentary allows vets to say what they think and give you, the pet owner, the opportunity to consider another view. We work to make the world a better place for cats, and we're getting better for you. It is also one of the most commonly used antibiotics in the world. padding: 15px 5px 15px 5px; The ideal way to give the oral suspension amoxicillin is to provide it by the syringe in the mouth. The expiration date is always one year out unless the manufacturer's expiration date precedes it. Keeping lids sealed to prevent air exposure and moisture contamination is important, as well. AnimalWised does not have the authority to prescribe any veterinary treatment or create a diagnosis. All opinions are those of the Irreverent Veterinarian and not the views of PetPlace.com and are not endorsed by PetPlace.com. Share Improve this answer Follow answered Apr 22, 2017 at 17:55 Harry V. 5,989 2 16 35 This helps our pet parents know how to best use the medications we prescribe. Therefore it is a common mistake to search for information on the dose of amoxicillin required for a cat and then administer it to them straightaway, because:. Even if your kitty did have a UTI, the amoxicillin you have would not be appropriate to give. This is the safest way to use the expiration dates on the package. Since every cat is an individual, each cat will respond differently to amoxicillin. Overdosing is toxic however. However, it can be excreted via milk in small amounts. Others, though, may be prescribed on an as needed basis. The most common potential side effects are gastrointestinal problems. We have seen that several antibiotics for humans that are commonly used in cats and dogs, one of the most commonly used is amoxicillin. It makes it even more potent and long-lasting. Expiration dates on veterinary drugs are there for good reason: to keep your pet safe and to treat them in the most effective way possible. In the case of pregnant or lactating cats, the veterinarian will have to assess administration based on risks versus benefits. .medication-table .table-row{ However, overdosing or giving it incorrectly is toxic for the felines. Google Neighborhood Cats and email or call them, tells them whats going on and they probably can direct you to resources that can help. Your veterinarian might want to culture the abscess or wound. The shelf life once reconstituted is real. The Pros of Antibiotic Injections for Cats. Inappropriateness Even a medication that was once prescribed to an individual pet may no longer be appropriate. DONT skip doses or fail to use the entire course of antibiotics as prescribed to your cat. You're free to offer your own below. Add them to the Cats Food: The Fish-Mox capsules are 250 mg. amoxicillin, recommended dosage one capsule twice per day, in food. How do you know if amoxicillin is the appropriate antibiotic for it? WebAntibiotics for cats. Some medications must be kept within a certain temperature range, while others might be light sensitive. Corticosteroids suppress the immune system (among other things) and if your pet has an infection of any sort, they can make your pets condition worse rather than better. Then, put one-fifth in the cats food. Which is why I took a look at a local hospital's Rx labels (from a patient who had been transferred that morning). For myself and my own family, that is. However, my cat is 17.2 pounds is 50 mg the max daily dosing? Amoxicillin has a wide dosage range. The American Veterinary Medical Association, mandates that veterinary drug expiration dates be provided on all dispensed medications when appropriate. Read between the lines some more: Limiting the expiration date is an easily defensible way to encourage more drug sales. Still, there's one caveat. Thank you so much doctor for your time and reading my problem please help me and tell me what to do and what dose and how many times a day ( Since I cant go to a vet because there is no one near me unless If I drove for 3 hours and I cant) + please excuse my bad English (Im not a native speaker) thank you so so much again. Furthermore, Amoxicillin is only effective for specific bacteria. Or can I do 85 mg 170 mg x probably 7 days (since he is a male)? WebHowever, a lot of cats may be allergic to penicillin and can develop side effects: Chronic diarrhea. How much should I give? Hi Jennifer, thanks for your question. As mentioned before, amoxicillin isn't used in cases where viruses or fungal infections are suspected. It can also be used for gastrointestinal infections. This type of antibiotic for cats is also used in the treatment of urogenital problems, often affecting males due to their protruding genitals. The telltale sign is the exiting of white, slowly wriggling maggot looking reproductive segments from the anus, that are shed from the adult tapeworm that is attached to the stomach and small intestine lining. font-weight: 700; (hopefully). } My cat accidentally swallowed 500mg of Amoxicillin. -Hugs water with his giant arms and drinks a lot If only a month and year are listed, the medication is expired on the last day of the listed month. Liquid and other mixed prescriptions should be discarded after two weeks. Potent Immunity. .cliverse-medication-title{ Not the original writer, but While amoxicillin would likely be prescribed to a cat in this condition, you will have to get a vets approval to use the antibiotic. The generic human liquid suspension could be used, however the volume of medication in some available preparations may be far more than what is needed for a cats typical dosage period, making them less practical. Finding the safe dosage of Amoxicillin for the kitten is a challenging task. It is primarily used in cats and is commonly prescribed for urinary tract infections (kidneys, bladder, and prostate) and skin infections (mainly post-traumatic wounds and abscesses). WebSo, can I give my cat amoxicillin? text-align: center; Changes in health status, other concurrent conditions, and the addition of new medications or supplements could make an old prescription inappropriate. Given the wide spectrum of applications, it can be used to treat a wide range of infections. Make sure to talk to your veterinarian about any signs or problems you might be seeing. With Amoxicillin taking expired ones would just mean they might not work, other antibiotics, like the tetracyclines can actually cause kidney damage if they are old. This can be a reaction, where it causes them to be nauseated, or it can just be because they don't like the taste. Animal adoption advocate. Avoid breathing litter dust to protect yourself. However, many cat parents often receive certain pet medications without knowing about the safe dose and safe serving ideas and harm their tom or queen instead of helping them. Amoxicillin comes in a liquid suspension, tablet, and capsule forms. Also, like I said, last years vet didnt have us do a 12 hr fast for Willys dental cleaning. So what do I recommend YOU to do? If you suspect that your cat has an illness warranting an antibiotic, such as amoxicillin, make an appointment with your vet for a thorough evaluation. Many insulin medications expire 30 days form the date you open them. I have Amoxicillin. WebIs Amoxicillin Safe for Cats? Recently, they forwarded some emails they thought were suited to me, the Irreverent Veterinarian. And get this they're legally enjoined to do so regardless of the manufacturer's expiration dates. Here's what the pharmacy profession (staunch supporter of the regulation) argues: Because we don't test drugs at the time of dispensing, we don't know whether they're still as good as the manufacturers say they are. All antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections and amoxicillin is no exception. Indiscriminate use of any antibiotic can lead to resistant bacterial populations, which make treating infections more difficult. What kind of illnesses can humans contract from cats? However, some vets may adjust this based on their own discretion, which may depend on a patients age and any prior health history. It is always best to seek our help before starting your pet on any medication. This educational content is not veterinary advice and does not replace consultation with a qualified veterinarian. They may need to suspend treatment or treat any secondary problems. Amoxicillin is not poisonous to cats, is very safe at prescribed doses, and side effects are uncommon. Answer: Only if Approved by Your Vet Amoxicillin specifically targets certain strains of bacteria and therefore is not prescribed for all kinds of infections. Roy J., et al. } Yes, in an ideal and safe dose Amoxicillin is safe for your cat. My cat has a swollen paw, maybe from insect bites or fighting. Oral amoxicillin, like many broad-spectrum antibiotics, can alter the normal, beneficial bacteria in the digestive tract, which is often a cause of digestive upset if it occurs. However, it is possible some digestive disturbances might arise such as diarrhea and vomiting or even appetite loss. Amoxicillin administered to humans is very different from the veterinary formulation.This variation arises from the chemical components used in making human-grade amoxicillin that can be toxic to canines.These chemicals include But then, there are plenty of times I'll ask an owner to stop a med and start it again. The reason is that it will lose its potency over time, and it may even cause your symptoms to worsen. Amoxicillin will only work against certain bacteria. Have your cat diagnosed and have a veterinarian prescribe the correct form of treatment. Are they good longer than this? Therefore it is a common mistake to search for information on the dose of amoxicillin required for a cat and then administer it to them straightaway, because:. It can also cause acute respiratory disorder and even cardiac arrest. DONT skip doses or fail to use the entire course of antibiotics as prescribed to your cat. You can give your cat Fish Mox (50mg 2-3 times per day). | Powered by WordPress. Please note that the above Amoxicillin for cats dosage Chart is well researched but can only be used for educational purposes and will not replace your veterinarian prescription and advice. Your furry friend might have pain when she urinates, causing discomfort. You can use diatomaceous earth food grade only. So your vet will be careful about the dose they give you for your cat. Currently parent of three adopted cats and one small mutt. There is also tetracycline ointment for cats. Alexander Fleming developed the first antibiotic in 1928. The Pros of Antibiotic Injections for Cats. While human amoxicillin is actually the same medication, the dosage forms available for people may be problematic for use with cats. In other words, if your kitty is doing well at a prescribed dose, an accidental extra dose or overdose would not cause these effects. If there was extra gingivitis present that led to more bleeding during cleaning or if a lot of extra scaling under the gums was needed, your vet may have felt that an anti-inflammatory was warranted to ensure your kitty was more comfortable after going home. WebThe easiest way to give your cat liquid medication is to mix it in with some canned food. Share Improve this answer Follow answered Apr 22, 2017 at 17:55 Harry V. 5,989 2 16 35 Give all of the amoxicillin that is prescribed for your pet, since symptoms may begin to improve before the infection is completely treated. You can give the tablet Amoxicillin to your Cats directly or by hiding it in your kitty food. Your email address will not be published. Get it on Chewy Clavamox (Amoxicillin + Clavulanic Acid). If your vet prescribes two bottles, they should provide you with instructions on how to mix up the second bottle. Hopefully, there may be a vet in your area that could help provide some more specific guidance. Amoxicillin For Cats Overview As for the dosage of amoxicillin for cats, it will really depend on various factors which include: These issues affect the dosage as the veterinarian needs to prescribe an amount which is effective and safe. Male cats also are more susceptible to sterile urinary bladder and tract inflammation, and urinary blockages which can appear very much like a UTI but arent responsive to antibiotics. But if you're like me, you look up the manufacturer's expiration dates and you follow those instead of the pharmacy's. Amoxicillin for cats is often used. Giving amoxicillin to your kitty around the time of a meal can help to offset these possible effects. Allergic reactions are not as common as with people. To ensure that your cat swallows all of the medication, it is best to mix it into a small amount of canned food that you feed by hand, rather than mixing it into a full bowl of food that the cat may not completely eat. These are usually bacterial infections within the bladder or kidneys. Copyright 2023 Animal Medical Hospital and 24 Hour Urgent Care. Which means the same is true for veterinarians, seeing as we're required to comply with pharmacy laws, too. Pretty sure my cat has a UTI In general, amoxicillin is an antibiotic which will have minimal adverse side effects when administered carefully within the above parameters. But this is Therefore, its always important for a vet to decide if use of an antibiotic is warranted. But it's not fair! I do not work with any feral populations myself, but it has been my understanding that there are often local vets that are willing to help keep these outdoor kitties as healthy as possible. 01.30.2018 by That is the human form of amoxicillin with clavulanic acid. Here is some information about the expirations of some medications types: The expiration of a medication varies based on several factors including the type of medication and the manufacturer. Two, fish amoxicillin is designed to be added to the water of a fish tank and absorbed by fish. They can come as tablets, in liquid form, drops, cream or an injection. The most common form given to cats is the liquid suspension or the tablets, both in specific veterinary preparations. One of the most common injuries seen in these kitties are abscesses because bacteria gets trapped under the skin from the other cat's tooth or nail. It inhibits the growth of bacteria by preventing the cell wall formation of the bacterial cells. How do you know if amoxicillin is the appropriate antibiotic for it? color: #fcb040!important; Prescription medications are no different. This is like you getting a sinus infection is often more likely than bronchitis. But blood tests only reveal evidence of kidney failure in pets once 72% or more of the kidneys have been lost. A large and important part of the immune system is located in the gut. Fresh Breath. Praziquantel will kill them with one dose. Address: 3832 Monroe Road, Charlotte, NC 28205 The licking of private areas and urinary pain could be concerning for this. How long before it takes effect and what symptoms should I look for? A large and important part of the immune system is located in the gut. For this reason, it is not possible to give a dosage for amoxicillin for cats as it will depend on each individual clinical case. The same basic effects of the drug work on cats and can be used to treat a wide variety of ailments, which we detail below. Amoxicillin and Augmentin (Clavamox) are my 1st go to antibiotic. I would say for a cat for amoxicillin dosing and especially for bigger cats, we likely need to be more accurate in dosing compared to your average 10lb cat where we should be dosing based on their weight. WebIs Amoxicillin Safe for Cats? Cats should never be given Amoxicillin prescribed for human use, however convenient it may be for pet owners. Kittens can also have certain viral infections that are routinely tested for that can contribute to poor growth and health problems. Therefore, probiotics for cats also help support healthier immunity. A huge animal lover, born and raised around dogs, cats, chickens I need to do something instead of waiting till next week. Most vets are using it off-label at every 8-12 hours, similar to the labeled dosage for dogs. It is not wise to rely on the drugs appearance to assess whether or not it is still good. Yes and no. Essentially the same antibiotics are effective in cats and in humans, however always in different concentrations and dosages. font-size: 24px; width: 115px; This is why its always important to follow the prescribed directions and to finish out all of an antibiotic even if your kitty is looking much better. Then, put one-fifth in the cats food. WebAntibiotics for cats. Others, like the Atopica for Cats liquid that we often prescribe, last only a few months. Sometimes, though rarely, changes can take place that cause the medication to be harmful to your pet. Can I Give My Cat Amoxicillin? If you suspect that your cat has an illness warranting an antibiotic, such as amoxicillin, make an appointment with your vet for a thorough evaluation. If your pet is critically ill Id say no dont use ANY expired medications. As you alluded to, this is primarily to reduce the risk of regurgitation or aspiration during a procedure, since the pet cannot swallow on their own. } Amoxicillin antibiotic is not approved by FDA for pet use but still veterinarians around the world often prescribe it for cats due to its tonic health properties. Antibiotics, including amoxicillin, can cause a range of side effects for cats. These are a good reminder of why Amoxicillin is only prescribed to cats when absolutely required. Not active at all. Contact your veterinarian immediately if your pet develops severe or bloody diarrhea. I hope that information helps. For more information, or to ask about an expired veterinary medication, please call us. These 7 Signs Will Help You Find Out, Eyelid Agenesis In Cats: Causes, Symptoms, & Treatment. Do you Know? Doing your part to observe and honor them helps us know that your pet is treated according to the highest standards of veterinary medicine, and we are proud to help achieve that. The shelf life once reconstituted is real. July 3, 2018 As with any drug, we need to be careful. That tells you how much amoxicillin for cats, but Clavamox is even easier to dispense. However, if there is no color or odor change and it is a few days beyond that date it is probably okay. Amoxicillin dosage of 5-10mg per pound. : } Because amoxicillin-clavulanate, commonly known as the brand Clavamox, has a broader spectrum of action against some bacteria, it is more commonly used than regular amoxicillin, especially for cats. In cats, amoxicillin treatments will usually last between five and seven days, although they can be more prolonged depending on the extent of the infection. So Ive guessed since there is pus I should give him antibiotic? Antibiotics are a class of medication used to treat bacterial infections. Always, Disposing of drugs, particularly controlled substances, is not always straightforward. flex-wrap: wrap; Doing so frequently can make the medication ineffective. Its very important to note that amoxicillin is not effective against viral infections, a common cause of upper respiratory conditions in cats. Reasons to Honor Veterinary Drug Expiration Dates. -Urine does not have the strong urea smell or discoloration They can come as tablets, in liquid form, drops, cream or an injection. However, if your furry friend is the type that will eat everything in the bowl but the tablet and leave it at the bottom, you may need to consider liquid if you are not adept at administering a pill directly into your cats mouth for her to swallow it. Also, side effects will occur in any cat if too much has been ingested. } The tablets typically come in 50, 100, 150, 200, and 400 mg, while the liquid oral suspension usually comes in 50-mg/ml.