Why has my veterinarian prescribed Amoxicillin/Clavulanic acid for my dog?
Amoxicillin/Clavulanic acid is a synthetic penicillin-type antibiotic used to treat infections caused by gram positive and gram negative bacteria. This medication may be used to treat urinary tract infections, skin and soft tissue infections and periodontal disease in dogs caused by susceptible organisms. The clavulanic acid is a beta-lactamase inhibitor it has been added to the amoxicillin to protect the antibiotic from certain enzymes that may destroy the amoxicillin before it can kill the bacteria.
How do I give Amoxicillin/Clavulanic acid to my dog?
- Give this medication to your dog as directed by your veterinarian. READ THE LABEL CAREFULLY.
- If using the liquid form of this medication, shake well before measuring the dose and measure the dose with reasonable care.
- Give this medication to your pet for the time period prescribed by your veterinarian, even if it appears the pet is feeling better.This will help to ensure the infection is all cleared up.
- This medication may be given to your pet with or without food.
- DO NOT give your dog more medicine than directed.
- DO NOT give the medicine more often than directed.
- Try not to miss giving any doses.
What if I miss giving a dose?
Give the dose as soon as possible. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose, and continue with the regular schedule. Do not give the pet two doses at once.
How do I store this medicine?
- Keep this medicine out of reach of children.
- Store capsules and tablets in a cool, dry place at room temperature.Store away from heat and direct sunlight.
- The liquid medication should be stored in the refrigerator. Keep the liquid medicine from freezing. Discard any unused liquid after 10 days.
- Do not store this medicine in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink or in damp places. The medicine may break down if exposed to heat or moisture.
What are the potential side effects?
- Amoxicillin/Clavulanic acid may cause stomach upset, vomiting and diarrhea. If stomach upset occurs, try giving the medication with food. These symptoms may go away during treatment. If these symptoms continue, contact your veterinarian.
- The following reactions are rare, but if the pet experiences an allergic reaction such as irregular breathing, rash, fever, puffiness and swelling around the face contact your veterinarian immediately.
- Other side effects may occur. If you notice anything unusual, contact your veterinarian.
Are there any possible drug interactions?
- Make sure to tell your veterinarian what other medication you are giving your pet.
- Quite often your veterinarian may prescribe two different medications, and a drug interaction may be anticipated. In this case, your veterinarian may vary the dose and/or monitor your pet more closely.
- The following drugs can potentially interact with amoxicillin/clavulanic acid: blood thinners, dipyradamole, inflammation or pain medicine (except narcotics), pentoxifyline, sulfinpyrazone, chloramphenicol, erythromycin, tetracycline, aminoglycosides, cephalosporins and probenecid.
- Contact your veterinarian if your pet experiences any unusual reactions when different medications are given together.
Based on material written by Rita Ozolins, B.Sc., Phm. and modified with permission from Lifelearn Inc.
© Copyright 2005 Lifelearn Inc.
