.medication-table .table-row{ This includes sticking to the timetable for giving it that your veterinarian has prescribed. font-size: 20px!important; The expiration date is always one year out unless the manufacturer's expiration date precedes it. That's wasteful! In any pet showing such signs, but especially in cats, it is important to get an actual diagnosis if possible before considering antibiotics. 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. Anyhow, online says Cats: The recommended dosage is 50 mg (510 mg/lb) once a day. 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. If a medication is past the expiration date determined by the manufacturer, it is best not to use it. 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. Cats should never be given Amoxicillin prescribed for human use, however convenient it may be for pet owners. If your cat is prescribed Clavamox, you might be familiar with it as Augmentin. AnimalWised does not have the authority to prescribe any veterinary treatment or create a diagnosis. The pills come in several different strengths: 100 milligrams, 250 milligrams, or 500 milligrams. If only a month and year are listed, the medication is expired on the last day of the listed month. If you miss a dose, give it to your cat unless it's almost time for the next dose. These are more common in the upper airways. Read between the lines: We don't want to be legally responsible. The ideal way to give the oral suspension amoxicillin is to provide it by the syringe in the mouth. Can your kitty take it (2.5 minutes read), Best practices for amoxicillin usage (1 minute read). Studies have shown that amoxicillin for cats can be very effective against some of the most common bacteria found in these wounds. This is understandable. It can also cause acute respiratory disorder and even cardiac arrest. Fresh Breath. Fleming discovered penicillin growing as a mold in Fleming's laboratory. For more information, please contact us. If your vet mixes the liquid and says it expires in 7 or 14 days then Id honor that. The reason is that it will lose its potency over time, and it may even cause your symptoms to worsen. Its a good habit to check veterinary drug expiration dates periodically and dispose medications past their prime often, so that they are no longer a temptation or potential accidental exposure risk. Amoxicillin is a highly effective antibiotic, but it will not work as well after its expiration date if you have already taken it. While you can safely store the medication after its expiration date, it is not recommended. They may diagnose a bacterial infection, and if so, amoxicillin might be used. The more bacterial resistance increases as a society, the more powerful antibiotics need to be. I hope that information helps. But beyond that, I cannot assist with specific dosing for your cat beyond what is generally found in the article. Always discard medications that have obvious changes to color, texture, etc. Read between the lines some more: Limiting the expiration date is an easily defensible way to encourage more drug sales. It can decrease her willingness to use the litter box. Antibiotics, including amoxicillin, can cause a range of side effects for cats. } Amoxicillin is a highly effective antibiotic, but it will not work as well after its expiration date if you have already taken it. Currently parent of three adopted cats and one small mutt. You can give your cat Fish Mox (50mg 2-3 times per day). Antibiotics are slowly losing their effectiveness, this is called antibiotic resistance. Amoxicillin tends to be more effective than penicillin because it lasts longer. Epi-pens (epinephrine injections for anaphylaxis), for example. Its very important to note that amoxicillin is not effective against viral infections, a common cause of upper respiratory conditions in cats. But only your vet can properly diagnose an infection and its root cause and thereby prescribe the right kind of antibiotic and the right dose. Cats can be given amoxicillin. Turns out that my veterinary hospital employer follows the pharmacy rules. But blood tests only reveal evidence of kidney failure in pets once 72% or more of the kidneys have been lost. 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. How long? If no date can be found, it is safest to consider a medication expired six months after being dispensed. They knew that I would speak the truth regardless of pet owners or other veterinarians liked it or not. In cats, these can occur as hives or labored breathing. Or can I do 85 mg 170 mg x probably 7 days (since he is a male)? In how many forms Amoxicillinis available? Other infectious agents are not harmed by this medication, such as viruses and fungi. Amoxicillin for cats Dosage Chart by weight. Also, sometimes your cat might get a scrape that gets infected. Avoid giving your pet any medication that contains a corticosteroid unless it has been prescribed by your veterinarian to treat your pets current medical problem. 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 Liquid amoxicillin needs to be kept in the refrigerator except when you are giving it to your cat. The shelf life once reconstituted is real. But then, there are plenty of times I'll ask an owner to stop a med and start it again. Overdose of amoxicillin can lead to poisoning which results in liver and kidney failure in cats. Some unopened medications can chemically be stable for at least 1 year beyond the expiration. But then, I've only ever prescribed Epi-pens for three patients. However, overdosing or giving it incorrectly is toxic for the felines. 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. Cats can be given amoxicillin. WebIs Amoxicillin Safe for Cats? The other argument is that unless extractions are being performed which requires tissue healing, or unless a pet has heavy dental disease with concern for pre-existing infection, that antibiotic use during or following a dental cleaning is not needed and would only contribute to antibiotic resistance. Amoxicillin is a broad spectrum antibiotic, If your kitty will take a pill mixed with or hidden in food or a treat, this is often easiest and involves the least amount of struggle. The shelf life once reconstituted is real. Amoxicillin is a broad spectrum antibiotic, Some, like amoxicillin, are bactericidal, which means they kill the bacteria. But Im also concerned that treating with an antibiotic alone could be missing something more important thats going on here. All medications have an expiration date on their label. Amoxicillin has a wide dosage range. 01.30.2018 by Longer than 2 years, then Id replace. Some last a very long time, up to several years. While it may not directly cause harm, using an expired drug may have some negative effects including: Delay in appropriate treatment Subpar management of the problem at hand We have seen that several antibiotics for humans that are commonly used in cats and dogs, one of the most commonly used is amoxicillin. display: flex; WebSo, can I give my cat amoxicillin? Which is why I took a look at a local hospital's Rx labels (from a patient who had been transferred that morning). So why make them come in again for a "fresh" round? However, its really important to make sure it is only used when dispensed or prescribed by a veterinarian, and that all prescribing instructions are followed. Liquid amoxicillin needs to be kept in the refrigerator except when you are giving it to your cat. Antibiotics are powerful and we should never administer them to our cat without instruction from our veterinarian. Having a 6 month old kitten that is less than 2 pounds is certainly something to be concerned about but unfortunately there really could be a number of things contributing to your little kittens condition. These include vomiting, diarrhea, or just a softer stool. It does so by blocking bacteria's protein-creating process, a process on which the bacteria depend for survival. Amoxicillin with clavulanic acid is common in these circumstances. A large and important part of the immune system is located in the gut. Injectable medications are generally considered less stable and often have shorter shelf lives than oral pill or capsule medication. 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. Copyright 2023 Animal Medical Hospital and 24 Hour Urgent Care. justify-content: space-between; It is indeed possible to give amoxicillin to kittens or young cats for the pathologies mentioned above. width: 115px; 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:. 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. WebHowever, a lot of cats may be allergic to penicillin and can develop side effects: Chronic diarrhea. Liquid amoxicillin needs to be kept in the refrigerator except when you are giving it to your cat. Then, put one-fifth in the cats food. I would recommend finding a veterinarian who practices telehealth and getting the prescription from them so that you can purchase it. Dr. Vanderhoof is also a copywriter specializing in the animal health field and founder of Paramount Animal Health Writing Solutions, which can be found at www.animalhealthcopywriter.com. Giving amoxicillin to your kitty around the time of a meal can help to offset these possible effects. If we do see any adverse side effects from amoxicillin for cats, we need to inform the vet. My Dog Keeps Licking Her Private Area - All Possible Reasons, My Dog's Poop Starts Solid Then Goes Soft. The Pros of Antibiotic Injections for Cats. Reasons to Honor Veterinary Drug Expiration Dates. 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. Can I Give My Cat Amoxicillin? Your veterinarian may help prescribe the antibiotic dose for your kitty after observing physically. July 3, 2018 But this is However, some veterinarians may prescribe every 8-10 hours. It can also cause bacterial resistance to develop. If a medication is past the expiration date determined by the manufacturer, it is best not to use it. Keflex is the antibiotic of choice, but Ill guess your cat is a male. While there are many medicines suitable for human use which are unsuitable for cats, amoxicillin is not one of them. text-align: center; Make sure to give any medication to your kitty with vet advice only. 1. 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. Thank you. Potent Immunity. This is like you getting a sinus infection is often more likely than bronchitis. Respiratory infections are also treated by amoxicillin, but it will depend on the specific infection. I have a 6 mo old kitten who weighs under 2 lbs. As far as the anti-inflammatories for 3 days goes, there may be no right or wrong answer there. Get new medication. Ive noticed for the past few weeks that he has right in the corner of his lip an Infection with pus (only in on side), some days it gets better and not even noticeable and the other days it get worse, It appeared out of no where I dont know from where did he get it (maybe he got into a fight) since he is an outdoor cat and plays alot with other cats in the neighborhood, the problem is When I saw it today it looked bad and very concerning because the infection is getting bigger and the side of the lip and the skin around it looks like its getting eaten up or (erosion) and there is pus + now when he closes his mouth normally you can see part of his tooth (because some of the skin is gone from the infection as I mentioned before) I wish I could show you a picture to make what Ive said clear. Newborn kittens are susceptible to antibiotics. But blood tests only reveal evidence of kidney failure in pets once 72% or more of the kidneys have been lost. DONT skip doses or fail to use the entire course of antibiotics as prescribed to your cat. Changes in health status, other concurrent conditions, and the addition of new medications or supplements could make an old prescription inappropriate. How long before it takes effect and what symptoms should I look for? You might need to repeat blood tests to check for this type of disease process. This means there could be a lot of variability in the quality and manufacture. Giving this single dose would be more likely to cause GI upset, have minimal effect on a UTI, and promote bacterial resistance to amoxicillin. Most cats take a 62.5 milligram dosage twice daily for a set amount of days. Which means the same is true for veterinarians, seeing as we're required to comply with pharmacy laws, too. 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. No blood work-up, and going on a previous years blood work-up from the other vet and administering the anesthesia for the dental cleaning? Because people probably store animal medications even more carelessly than their own, and 2. The answer is: No, not without the express consent and direction of your veterinarian. Studies have shown that amoxicillin is effective against bacteria found in the skin and mouth. Common illnesses in which Amoxicillin is given to cats are: Every medicine include antibiotic may have mild to severe side effects. It also belongs to a group of antibiotics known as aminopenicillins and their effect is bactericidal, killing a large range of bacteria, but not all of them. .medication-table h2{ It is often reconstituted with water at your vets practice when you receive it. Symptoms usually end when administration does. Do you Know? Pretty sure my cat has a UTI I cant comment more as its impossible for me to know if this is a typical delay in healing that can be seen with nail trauma even without infection present, or something more concerning. Liquid and other mixed prescriptions should be discarded after two weeks. In veterinary medicine, amoxicillin can come mixed with clavulanic acid. It is also important to remember that amoxicillin is a medication. The recommended dosage is 50 mg (510 mg/lb) once a day. Always make sure to give an antibiotic prescribed by your vet for the full number of days indicated, even if your kitty looks like hes feeling better. Firstly, thanks so much for being a caretaker for a feral cat population. Most liquid medications that are not reconstituted also have a shelf life of 1 to 2 years but once reconstituted (mixed with water such as powered amoxicillin is mixed with water) most expire in about 7 to 14 days depending on the specific product. Any potential risks of those decisions should always typically be discussed. It is not worth the risk of a reaction or problem from using expired medications. In veterinary medicine, the most common forms are liquid and pills. Albendazole for Cats - Uses, Dosage and Side Effects, Meloxicam for Cats - Uses, Dosage, and Side Effects, Famciclovir for Cats - Uses, Dosage and Side Effects, Omeprazole for Cats - Dosage, Uses and Side Effects, Procox for Cats - Dosage, Uses and Side Effects, Dexamethasone for Cats - Uses, Dosage and Side Effects, Ranitidine for Cats - Dosage, Uses and Side Effects, Ketoconazole for Cats - Uses, Dosage and Side Effects. } This can delay appropriate treatment, allowing for a condition to worsen in the interim, potentially putting the pet at risk. Since every cat is an individual, each cat will respond differently to amoxicillin. There a lot of cat rescues. WebThe easiest way to give your cat liquid medication is to mix it in with some canned food. Not worth it. The liquid amoxicillin is generally at a concentration of 100 milligrams per milliliter. Amoxicillin is a broad-spectrum antibiotic. An extended treatment with antibiotics can lead to yeast infections, especially if the cats immune system is The side effects of amoxicillin are usually mild and infrequent, involving gastrointestinal upset like vomiting and diarrhea. Your email address will not be published. I have treated her for worms. -Has large urinary output + sometimes has a hard time holding it in (had a few accidents) Cats should never be given Amoxicillin prescribed for human use, however convenient it may be for pet owners. If your cat spends time outside or around other cats, she might get into a fight. However, there are a few liquid medications that are less stable if refrigerated and they should clearly say so on the package. Overdosing is toxic however. They will often start your cat on a first choice antibiotic. Add them to the Cats Food: The Fish-Mox capsules are 250 mg. amoxicillin, recommended dosage one capsule twice per day, in food. Amoxicillin is a common antibiotic prescribed for both cats and dogs to address a variety of bacterial infections. Amoxicillin may be used for infections of the respiratory tract, urinary tract and bladder, some gastrointestinal infections, and infections of the skin and soft tissues. | Powered by WordPress. Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections. The goal is to add a balanced and alternative view of some controversial pet issues. Get it on Chewy Clavamox (Amoxicillin + Clavulanic Acid). Turns out that my veterinary hospital employer follows the pharmacy rules. 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. 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. It's the exact same medication. A large and important part of the immune system is located in the gut. Giving amoxicillin to your kitty around the time of a meal can help to offset these possible effects. Giving an antibiotic willy nilly or stopping short of the whole course can prove far worse than not using antibiotics at all. Often extra-label higher doses are used by vets. Give all of the amoxicillin that is prescribed for your pet, since symptoms may begin to improve before the infection is completely treated. WebIf you still have a to wait a few days to see the vet I would go to a local pet store and find some probiotics or Bene-Bac to add to what he's eating It'll help provide beneficial bacteria in the digestive tract that may have been lost due to the over use of antibiotics, this is probably causing the loose stool, but a vet would dive deeper into PetPlace may be compensated when you click on or make a purchase using the links in this article. My vet cant physically see him 2 weeks because of the holidays. -Hugs water with his giant arms and drinks a lot Dr. Chris Vanderhoof is a 2013 graduate of the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine (VMCVM) at Virginia Tech, where he also earned a Masters in Public Health. Cats can be given amoxicillin. I would suggest seeing if your vet could at least consult with you by phone to discuss these signs and concerns more and they may be able to provide you with accurate dosing if appropriate. It Might Be Time for a Pet Diet Change, Thanksgiving Food for Pets: What to Avoid and What to Share, Not So Fun in the Sun: Dog Skin Issues You May Encounter This Summer, Contribution to problems, such as antibiotic resistance (hint: you should never have leftover antibiotics if using as prescribed), Over-the-counter and prescription medication exposure are a common cause of pet (and people) poisonings, Septic tanks and sewage treatment plants are unequipped to remove all pharmaceutical residues from the water. Fish amoxicillin is not intended to be used for other species of animals and it is in fact, not the same strength or formulation as what we use for pets or even people. Over time, any substance undergoes chemical changes simply due to environmental exposure. Copyright 1999 - 2023. Praziquantel will kill them with one dose. Tetracycline for cats is a multipurpose antibiotic typically available as a capsule or tablet. Your Veterinarian can better decide about the safe dose of any medication, including Amoxicillin for cats, after observing your feline physically. Tablet, Liquid While you can safely store the medication after its expiration date, it is not recommended. Self-educated pet care nerd. padding: 10px; Amoxicillin as an antibiotic comes in several different forms and dosages. Apart from feeling pretty stupid for not knowing of this basic law (it's an FDA regulation), I had this immediate, visceral reaction to this information: That's just wrong! Recently, they forwarded some emails they thought were suited to me, the Irreverent Veterinarian. Allergic reactions are not as common as with people. .medication-table h5{ This being the law and all that. Using a medication that is not as potent as intended could result in the medication being ineffective. As such, amoxicillin is readily prescribed for some very common maladies. Required fields are marked *. Cat sized doses can be bought at pet supply stores. Everything You Need To Know, Is It Safe To Have Cats Around Newborns? Should I be doing this because it takes care of their worms. Developed for humans to take, antibiotics are used in most species of animals. WebIf you still have a to wait a few days to see the vet I would go to a local pet store and find some probiotics or Bene-Bac to add to what he's eating It'll help provide beneficial bacteria in the digestive tract that may have been lost due to the over use of antibiotics, this is probably causing the loose stool, but a vet would dive deeper into Other precautions to guard against this are taken as well, including the placement of the endotracheal tube that seals off the airway and is only removed once the pet can start swallowing again. If a medication is past the expiration date determined by the manufacturer, it is best not to use it. Good luck! They look for white blood cells and bacteria in her urine. } What to Do if My Dog has Something Stuck in his Throat? The educational cat health content on Cats.com is written by or reviewed by our team of veterinary experts to ensure that its in line with the latest evidence-based veterinary information and health guidelines. 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. Hi Dr. Chris, What kind of illnesses can humans contract from cats? 6 Pet Medication Storage Tips to Avoid Danger, Off Label Use of Drugs in Veterinary Medicine, Holistic Medicine and How it Can Help Your Pet, Don't Make These Dangerous Mistakes With Your Pet's Medicine. No matter whether it is given orally or topically, tetracycline destroys bacterial infections. 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. Today it isn't used as commonly. (However, the cholesterol was 427, but that vet didnt have us 12 hour fast Willy. They may need to suspend treatment or treat any secondary problems.
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