AMOXICILLIN
(For veterinary information only)
IMPORTANT NOTE: Please tell the veterinarian if your pet has ever had a reaction to penicillin or any other penicillin analogue.
As with all medications, it is extremely important that this medication be used ONLY for the pet for which it is prescribed.
BRAND NAME: APO-AMOXI®, AMOXIL®
HOW IS THIS MEDICATION USED
This medication is a type of penicillin antibiotic. It is given by mouth to treat or prevent infections caused by bacteria. It will not cure infections caused by viruses.
Amoxicillin represents a synthetic improvement upon the original penicillin molecule. Amoxicillin is better able to resist damage from stomach acid so less of an oral dose is wasted. While it is still susceptible to destruction by Staphylococcal enzymes, it does have a much broader spectrum against the Gram negative bacteria and is able to last a bit longer.
Amoxicillin is regarded as having a fairly broad spectrum against many bacteria thus it is used both on organisms known to be sensitive to it plus it is a good selection when the sensitivity of bacteria is unknown. It is especially helpful in anaerobic infections (those which grow without the benefit of oxygen). Some typical uses might include:
INTERACTIONS WITH OTHER DRUGS
When the
organism in a serious infection cannot be isolated, a common strategy is to
attempt to "cover" for all possible bacteria. Amoxicillin is frequently used in
combination with other antibiotics for this purpose.
Clavulanic acid may be added to amoxicillin to increase amoxicillin's spectrum
against Staphylococcal bacteria.
Tell the veterinarian if your pet is on:
SIDE EFFECTS
Contact your pet’s veterinarian or get medical help right away if your pet has an allergic reaction to this medicine (hives, itching, rash, swelling of the face, trouble breathing).
Contact your pet’s veterinarian if the condition does not improve in 48 hours or if it gets worse.
Amoxicillin may cause discolored or sore tongue, mild diarrhea, and/or mild stomach upset and nausea. Giving the medication with food seems to reduce the stomach upset effect.
SPECIAL CAUTIONS
The oral suspension should be refrigerated, and should be discarded after 2 weeks. If the liquid is kept at room temperature, discard it after 7 days.
Tablets may be kept at room
temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high
humidity, and bright light.
Amoxicillin may be given with or without food.
Amoxicillin will cross the placenta in a pregnant patient but is felt to be safe
for use during pregnancy.
If your pet is taking a liquid form of this medication, shake it well before pouring.
Give this medication for as long as your pet’s veterinarian prescribes, even if your pet feels better. Your pet may have to take this medicine for 10 days or more, especially for serious infections.
If you miss a dose, give it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and give the next one as directed. Do not give double doses. If you are not sure of what to do if you miss a dose, or if you miss more than one dose, contact your pet’s veterinarian.
Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
If you have any questions, please feel free to call us at 672-7800.