Give your kitty Amoxicillin or any other antibiotic with your vets advice only. Can I Give My Cat Amoxicillin? If no date can be found, it is safest to consider a medication expired six months after being dispensed. Animal Skin and Allergy Clinic Staff, Sluggish Pet? This is the safest way to use the expiration dates on the package. You should always consult with the vet about the best antibiotic to be used and its potential side effects. The licking of private areas and urinary pain could be concerning for this. The amoxicillin dosage may vary from cats to cats and depends on several factors, including size, body weight, the severity of the disease, and overall health condition of the feline. Abscesses are swollen regions of infected tissue within a pet or person. Thankfully, amoxicillin tends to be very well tolerated by cats. Lynnwood, WA 98037, Email Ill do my best to clarify some of your questions. display: flex; As with any drug, we need to be careful. Yesterday's Morning Edition on NPR featured Joanne Silberner's report on human drugs and their expiration dates. The topic that Ill address today isHow Long Do Expired Medications Really Last? The liquid amoxicillin is generally at a concentration of 100 milligrams per milliliter. Clinical and in vitro efficacy of amoxicilin against bacteria associated with feline skin wounds and abscesses. As with any medication, there is a possibility of side effects. It's not exactly consumer friendly to arbitrarily set higher bars on some products especially when they are so transparently yielding bigger bottom lines for those who lobby in their favor. A large and important part of the immune system is located in the gut. But blood tests only reveal evidence of kidney failure in pets once 72% or more of the kidneys have been lost. Wish my cat good luck as I cannot take her to the vet until the end of the month. Incomplete antibiotic courses, even if not expired, can result in lack of treatment, subjecting the pet to relapse or even antibiotic resistance. For two reasons, the former employee explained: 1. Tetracycline for cats is a multipurpose antibiotic typically available as a capsule or tablet. Giving Amoxicillin to your cat without your veterinarians prescription is not considered safe and ideal. For others, though, dates on food and other items are viewed as merely a suggestion. Doing so frequently can make the medication ineffective. The usual dose of amoxicillin in dogs and cats is 5-10 mg/lb every 12-24 hours. You might see it in combination products, such as Clavamox, where the medication is even more effective and long-lasting because it is mixed with a medication called clavulanic acid. Gallon of milk that expired yesterday? 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:. Giving amoxicillin to your kitty around the time of a meal can help to offset these possible effects. For some people expiration dates are a hard and fast rule. The tablets typically come in 50, 100, 150, 200, and 400 mg, while the liquid oral suspension usually comes in 50-mg/ml. The liquid form typically needs to be refrigerated. line-height: 1.2; Address: 3832 Monroe Road, Charlotte, NC 28205 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. Your Veterinarian can better decide about the safe dose of any medication, including Amoxicillin for cats, after observing your feline physically. Cats should never be given Amoxicillin prescribed for human use, however convenient it may be for pet owners. Injectable medications are generally considered less stable and often have shorter shelf lives than oral pill or capsule medication. -My mom said, she spotted him possibly dripping They can come as tablets, in liquid form, drops, cream or an injection. Amoxicillin is a highly effective antibiotic, but it will not work as well after its expiration date if you have already taken it. Google Neighborhood Cats and email or call them, tells them whats going on and they probably can direct you to resources that can help. Knowing about the safe Amoxicillin dosage for cats is essential for every pet owner. display: flex; However, not all antibiotics work for all bacteria, not all infections are bacterial, not all human drugs can be used on cats and not all infections require antibiotics. Prescription medications are no different. That is the human form of amoxicillin with clavulanic acid. 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. .medication-table .table-row .item{ While you can safely store the medication after its expiration date, it is not recommended. He completed a rotating internship with Red Bank Veterinary Hospital in New Jersey and now works as a general practitioner in the Washington D.C. area. But it's not fair! So why then does the FDA feel justified in placing limits where they previously did not exist? Full resolution for an infection depends a lot on the location and severity. Generally, an antibiotic injection is fast acting, which means it might help your pet feel better soon after she receives the shot. It may be tempting just to toss them in this weeks garbage collection or flush them, but that often isnt the responsible choice because: Instead, you should take them to a facility with a drug take back program in the area or find a drug disposal facility. Amoxicillin is a gram-positive antibiotic medicine that helps your cat fight against certain bacterial infections such as UTI and bladder infections, respiratory tract, gastrointestinal infections, and skin-related issues in felines. These types of medicines are still saving lives today. If we see that our cat is suffering from an infection, we will want to do anything we can to help ease any suffering. Have your cat diagnosed and have a veterinarian prescribe the correct form of treatment. Your vet can run a stool sample to help make sure none have been missed. Your veterinarian can better decide the safe dose of Amoxicillin for your feline after observing the severity of the illness and your cat physically. There are several factors that can affects the shelf life including exposure to light, lack of appropriate refrigeration, and eventuallythe chemical instability of the product that can occur with time. Antibiotics can be used to treat many fungal and bacterial infections, both in humans and in cats. Amoxicillin typically comes in both a liquid form as an oral suspension as well as tablet form. Why? Roy J., et al. It can also cause bacterial resistance to develop. padding: 15px 5px 15px 5px; Always, Disposing of drugs, particularly controlled substances, is not always straightforward. These are more common in the upper airways. Amoxicillin has a wide dosage range. Copyright 2022 by FelineLiving.net -Designed by Thrive Themes Follow the recommendations on the bottle for best results regarding the shelf life. Should you keep these things, and for how long? Cats should never be given Amoxicillin prescribed for human use, however convenient it may be for pet owners. An extended treatment with antibiotics can lead to yeast infections, especially if the cats immune system is As such, amoxicillin is readily prescribed for some very common maladies. 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. An extended treatment with antibiotics can lead to yeast infections, especially if the cats immune system is WebIt is unusual for a cat to have high blood pressure in isolation from something like chronic kidney disease. The result is that antibiotics may not be effective in the future when they are really needed. This vet did advise us to do Willys 12 hour fast. It would be much too high a dose and because of how it kills bacteria and works in the body, must be given at least twice a day for several days at least. 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. Giving amoxicillin to your kitty around the time of a meal can help to offset these possible effects. Some veterinarians may make this a longer interval, and others may even make lab work optional. Your email address will not be published. Cat sized doses can be bought at pet supply stores. Give double dose first dose. Amoxicillin has no effect against worms in any way, only against bacteria, as I mentioned in the article, so the amoxicillin youre adding would not be helping with the problem youre trying to address. If your cat is prescribed Clavamox, you might be familiar with it as Augmentin. Question 1: Is this really recommended? Expiration dates on drugs exist to help keep you and your pet healthier and happy. Furthermore, Amoxicillin is only effective for specific bacteria. Hi Jennifer, thanks for your question. Amoxicillin is a highly effective antibiotic, but it will not work as well after its expiration date if you have already taken it. The bacteria then die. (However, the cholesterol was 427, but that vet didnt have us 12 hour fast Willy. Therefore, its always important for a vet to decide if use of an antibiotic is warranted. 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. Scheduling an appointment with your vet would be the best thing to do here. The reason is that it will lose its potency over time, and it may even cause your symptoms to worsen. I poured 90% of the capsule out and she swallowed the other 10%. The bacteria typically found in your cat's airways is often sensitive to amoxicillin, making it a great choice for your kitty's illness. Giving an antibiotic willy nilly or stopping short of the whole course can prove far worse than not using antibiotics at all. First, fasting prior to bloodwork in veterinary medicine is uncommon, except for certain types of testing. Cholesterol, while sometimes relevant for our patients, is far less relevant compared to people, as pets do not develop the same type of diseases from high cholesterol, like atherosclerosis and risk for heart attacks. Also, sometimes your cat might get a scrape that gets infected. WebSo, can I give my cat amoxicillin? 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. So Ive guessed since there is pus I should give him antibiotic? | 9 Reasons Explained, Maine Coon Breeders Nova Scotia | Kittens & Cats for Sale. Anyhow, online says Cats: The recommended dosage is 50 mg (510 mg/lb) once a day. line-height: 50px; This product is Clavamox. Once a month I open two fish amoxcillin capsules and blend it in with their food. 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. 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. 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. Your veterinarian may have a preference of which form to use, or may leave the dosage form up to you depending on which will be easier to administer. However, if there is no color or odor change and it is a few days beyond that date it is probably okay. One of the most obvious positive sides to these antibiotics is how fast they enter your cats system. Even if your kitty did have a UTI, the amoxicillin you have would not be appropriate to give. 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. 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. Also, side effects will occur in any cat if too much has been ingested. But then, I've only ever prescribed Epi-pens for three patients. While there are many medicines suitable for human use which are unsuitable for cats, amoxicillin is not one of them. If your pet is critically ill Id say no dont use ANY expired medications. Catheterization, medication and special food are indicated. If a medication is past the expiration date determined by the manufacturer, it is best not to use it. Laser Toys & Its Effects On, Can Cats Get Lyme Disease? .medication-table .table-row .item{ You can give the tablet Amoxicillin to your Cats directly or by hiding it in your kitty food. If we do see any adverse side effects from amoxicillin for cats, we need to inform the vet. Animal Skin and Allergy Clinic does not provide any veterinary medical services or guidance via the Internet. } 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! That tells you how much amoxicillin for cats, but Clavamox is even easier to dispense. My vet cant physically see him 2 weeks because of the holidays. Or can I do 85 mg 170 mg x probably 7 days (since he is a male)? However, there are a few liquid medications that are less stable if refrigerated and they should clearly say so on the package. For susceptible bacterial infections, you will typically see noticeable improvement within 2-3 days of use. This commentary allows vets to say what they think and give you, the pet owner, the opportunity to consider another view. But this is To know more about various drugs which can be administered to cats, you can look at this article on Buprenex for cats. Here an important thing to be noted is that there are many varieties of antibiotics Amoxicillin available, so your veterinarian can better decide which one will be safe for your kitty. At AnimalWised, we ask can you give cats amoxicillin? Regular use of probiotics for cats can prevent digestive issues and ease symptoms like vomiting, stomach irritation, constipation, and diarrhea. The antibiotics is Amoxicillin/Clavulanate. Some medications must be kept within a certain temperature range, while others might be light sensitive. Throwing up. (hopefully). It is the same antibiotic, but in a completely different dosage and mixture and is specifically designed for our pet friends. .medication-table{ 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. Be sure to use and care for your pets medication responsibly, and when in doubt, throw it out! They can come as tablets, in liquid form, drops, cream or an injection. Get it on Chewy Clavamox (Amoxicillin + Clavulanic Acid). PetPartners, Inc. is an indirect corporate affiliate of PetPlace.com. The shelf life once reconstituted is real. Use of Antibiotics Giving this single dose would be more likely to cause GI upset, have minimal effect on a UTI, and promote bacterial resistance to amoxicillin. The reason is that it will lose its potency over time, and it may even cause your symptoms to worsen. Image from Instagram:@petdiseasealerts It would be prudent not to give your dog any human amoxicillin. Often extra-label higher doses are used by vets. But this is However, my cat is 17.2 pounds is 50 mg the max daily dosing? Giving amoxicillin to your kitty around the time of a meal can help to offset these possible effects. If your cat is sick or not acting like herself, a trip to your family veterinarian is recommended. align-items: center; 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. All drugs originating from our pharmacy will have one displayed on the label. 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. color: #fcb040!important; A huge animal lover, born and raised around dogs, cats, chickens If side effects like these continue, its important to ask your vet for further advice. I think so, anyway. Yes and no. Antibiotics, including amoxicillin, can cause a range of side effects for cats. It is also important to remember that amoxicillin is a medication. However, overdosing or giving it incorrectly is toxic for the felines. Salivation in excess. [Ultimate Guide], Can Cats Get Norovirus? Others stop the bacteria from growing, making them bacteriostatic. 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. MondayThursday: 7 a.m.8 p.m. They will also listen to their chest for signs of pneumonia. Amoxicillin as an antibiotic comes in several different forms and dosages. Cats can be given amoxicillin. Animal adoption advocate. Humans can get parasitic worms, such as feline tapeworm, if infected fleas are swallowed. But blood tests only reveal evidence of kidney failure in pets once 72% or more of the kidneys have been lost. Some cats might drool after taking the amoxicillin, especially the liquid amoxicillin. Given the wide spectrum of applications, it can be used to treat a wide range of infections. Image from Instagram:@petdiseasealerts It would be prudent not to give your dog any human amoxicillin. If you miss a dose, give it to your cat unless it's almost time for the next dose. But then, there are plenty of times I'll ask an owner to stop a med and start it again. You have half a tube of ointment from that one time Fluffy had an ear infection, a few pills rattling around from when she was so itchy last summer, and almost a full bottle of some type of pain pill from the time she sprained a paw. DONT skip doses or fail to use the entire course of antibiotics as prescribed to your cat. Most veterinarians treat for at least seven to ten days. It is indeed possible to give amoxicillin to kittens or young cats for the pathologies mentioned above. It can also cause bacterial resistance to develop. -Indoor Cat lives with 2 other cats } Amoxicillin is a broad spectrum antibiotic, But I also recommend that you ask for the manufacturer's expiration date on meds that might need to be administered again in the future. Reading this article until the end will solve all your queries about using this antibiotic drug for your kitty. Obviously for very small or very large cats this dose needs to be adjusted at a veterinarian's recommendation. You can use diatomaceous earth food grade only. Potent Immunity. If you wish to store your veterinary pharmaceuticals, it is essential that you adhere to storage guidelines. } Amoxicillin typically comes in both a liquid form as an oral suspension as well as tablet form. AnimalWised does not have the authority to prescribe any veterinary treatment or create a diagnosis. 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. Avoid breathing litter dust to protect yourself. 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. Contact your veterinarian immediately if your pet develops severe or bloody diarrhea. Many medications can cause significant negative health effects if very high doses inappropriate for the patient are ingested. If there is any swelling, pain or discharge at that digit, veterinary care would be needed for sure. It's the exact same medication. All opinions are those of the Irreverent Veterinarian and not the views of PetPlace.com and are not endorsed by PetPlace.com. Typically, vets can prescribe Amoxicillin for cats to treat skin infections, and urinary tract infections. This can be a reaction, where it causes them to be nauseated, or it can just be because they don't like the taste. The best I could suggest generally for something like that is to use very dilute chlorhexidine as a soak for 5-10 minutes at least twice a day. How does one properly dispose of expired veterinary pharmaceuticals? While we should always take the prescribed dosage, some people either do not or for whatever reason have some extra in their medicine cabinet. Dosage should be continued for 57 days or 48 hours after all symptoms have subsided. Many insulin medications expire 30 days form the date you open them. border-bottom: 1px solid #ccc; Can your kitty take it (2.5 minutes read), Best practices for amoxicillin usage (1 minute read). In rare cases it can cause more serious side effects such as unusual bleeding and even seizures. Giving an antibiotic willy nilly or stopping short of the whole course can prove far worse than not using antibiotics at all. Cats should never be given Amoxicillin prescribed for human use, however convenient it may be for pet owners. How long? This medication is costly. Make sure to wash your hands before and after giving the medication. Prescription Required? But Im also concerned that treating with an antibiotic alone could be missing something more important thats going on here. Yes There are specific times with the medication might be most useful. It can also cause acute respiratory disorder and even cardiac arrest. FDA Approved? 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. While you can safely store the medication after its expiration date, it is not recommended. It is important to keep in mind that some infections may not be bacterial. background: #fcb040; Alexander Fleming developed the first antibiotic in 1928. It does so by blocking bacteria's protein-creating process, a process on which the bacteria depend for survival. You should inform your vet about any allergies your cat may have, especially if you know your cat to be allergic to any drugs. In that case, you can skip the missed dose. - Uses, Dosage and Side Effects, Metoclopramide for Cats - Dosage, Uses and Side Effects, Contraindications of amoxicillin for cats, Doxycycline for Cats - Dosage, Uses and Side Effects, Cephalexin for Cats - Uses, Dosage and Side Effects, Amitraz for Dogs - Uses, Dosage and Side Effects, Famotidine for Cats - Uses, Dosage and Side Effects. 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 Good luck! Based on Willys last years blood work-up he didnt do a blood work up and administered the anesthesia and successfully cleaned his teeth. In veterinary medicine, amoxicillin can come mixed with clavulanic acid. These are also often treatable with amoxicillin. There may be a telemedicine service you could look into that might be less expensive and less stressful for your kitty for a situation like this if healing delays continue. 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. } DONT skip doses or fail to use the entire course of antibiotics as prescribed to your cat. } Again, this will depend on the above factors, but it needs to be taken with food to avoid digestive problems. Share Improve this answer Follow answered Apr 22, 2017 at 17:55 Harry V. 5,989 2 16 35 It has been opined that a significant percentage of humanity are infected, without overt signs or symptoms. It is more resistant to stomach acids, which would readily degrade penicillin. Image from Instagram:@petdiseasealerts It would be prudent not to give your dog any human amoxicillin. Do not overdose on the medicine. Praziquantel will kill them with one dose. -Has large urinary output + sometimes has a hard time holding it in (had a few accidents) What can I do to help her to gain weight an be a kitten? flex-wrap: wrap; Form: Like you, your cat might get a respiratory infection. 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. Because liquid amoxicillin should be discarded after 14 days, it is important not to mix up a new bottle until you are ready to use it. -Hugs water with his giant arms and drinks a lot While some respiratory infections are caused by viruses, many are at least compounded by bacterial infections. You might be wondering if Fluffy can take amoxicillin, and, unless she's allergic, she can. I hope that information helps. 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. Symptoms usually end when administration does. Liquid and other mixed prescriptions should be discarded after two weeks. DONT start using an antibiotic you happen to have left over from the last time. However, since kittens are vulnerable and are yet to establish a clinical history, a veterinarian will need to determine the right course of action. border-bottom: 3px solid #fcb040; We have seen that several antibiotics for humans that are commonly used in cats and dogs, one of the most commonly used is amoxicillin. Required fields are marked *. Incomplete antibiotic courses, even if not expired, can result in lack of treatment, subjecting the pet to relapse or even antibiotic resistance. font-size: 14px; Salivation in excess. For more information, please contact us. But this is not a medication that will last long. Pretty sure my cat has a UTI If your vet decides to use amoxicillin for your cat, he or she will decide on a recommended dosage amount and schedule that is most appropriate depending on the type of infection being addressed. Before you use any liquid medication make sure that the color is the same and there are no abnormalities. As you can see, it is vital we pay attention to the directives of the veterinarian. So your vet will be careful about the dose they give you for your cat. The liquid is a 62.5 milligrams per milliliter suspension. All she does is sleep. Hello Loreen, thank you for commenting! 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. This being the law and all that. While you can safely store the medication after its expiration date, it is not recommended. Before you just toss them in the trash, refer to the. Other infectious agents are not harmed by this medication, such as viruses and fungi. 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 administered orally and reaches its maximum plasma concentration (i.e. Amoxicillin is an antibiotic that is related to penicillin. As a bactericidal antibiotic, amoxicillin has the ability to kill certain kinds of bacteria causing infections. Of course, if a cat has previously shown to have an allergic reaction to amoxicillin, it should be not administered again. 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 Some last a very long time, up to several years. Turns out that my veterinary hospital employer follows the pharmacy rules. to be sure that you are doing things properly. Treatment in humans requires a much bigger dose.
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