Amoxicillin is an antibiotic, and a type of penicillin. Potassium clavulanate increases its effectiveness against certain bacteria. The combination is used to treat susceptible bacterial infections in many species including dogs, cats, ferrets, and birds. Do NOT use amoxicillin/clavulanate in rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas, or hamsters since it will affect the normal bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract and possibly cause a fatal diarrhea.
Dose and Administration:
Always follow the dosage instructions provided by your veterinarian, and use all of the medication prescribed, or the infection is likely to recur or become worse. If you have difficulty giving the medication, contact your veterinarian. May give with food if needed to decrease side effects, such as vomiting.
Tablets should not be split prior to use, because air will cause them to deteriorate. Shake oral liquids well prior to use. Reconstituted oral suspensions should be refrigerated and the remainder discarded in 10 days.
If you miss a dose, give it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to the regular schedule. Do not give 2 doses at once.
This medication should only be given to the pet for whom it was prescribed.
Possible Side Effects:
May see lack of appetite, drooling, vomiting, or diarrhea.
Less commonly may see signs of liver disease, including jaundice (yellowing of the gums, skin, or eyes).
Consult your veterinarian if you notice any of the above side effects.
If your pet experiences an allergic reaction to the medication, signs may include facial swelling, hives, scratching, sudden onset of diarrhea, vomiting, shock, seizures, pale gums, cold limbs, or coma. If you observe any of these signs, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Precautions:
Not for use in animals hypersensitive (allergic) to penicillins or beta-lactam antibiotics such as cephalosporins.
Amoxicillin crosses the placenta, and it is advised not to use amoxicillin/clavulanate in pregnant animals although no detrimental results to fetuses have been reported.
Use with caution in very small animals who may be dehydrated or have kidney or heart disorders.
Treatment should not exceed 30 days.
Human Precautions:
People with hypersensitivities (allergies) to penicillins or beta-lactam antibiotics, such as cephalosporins, should not handle the amoxicillin/clavulanate as allergic reactions could occur just from contact.
Drug, Food, and Test Interactions:
Consult your veterinarian before using amoxicillin/clavulanate with vitamins, suppliments, bacteriostatic drugs, such as erythromycin or tetracyclines, and anticoagulants (blood thinners, such as heparin or warfarin), since interactions may occur.
Signs of Toxicity/Overdose:
May see vomiting or diarrhea. Dogs on high doses or long-term use may show signs of incoordination (difficulty walking).
If you know or suspect your pet has had an overdose, or if you observe any of these signs in your pet, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Storage:
Store at room temperature (less than 75°F) in a tight, light resistant, childproof container, protected from moisture (not in the bathroom). Once the oral suspension is reconstituted (the powder is mixed with water), store in the refrigerator and use within 10 days.