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. .medication-table{ Your email address will not be published. In these cases you will need to go to the veterinarian to stop the effects or even a veterinary hospital in case of emergency. 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. Yes, in an ideal and safe dose Amoxicillin is safe for your cat. Follow the recommendations on the bottle for best results regarding the shelf life. Common Names: Make sure to keep all the medicine away from the children and your pet reach. Cats can be given amoxicillin. Antibiotics, including amoxicillin, can cause a range of side effects for cats. I recommend that you follow your veterinarian's instructions. The reason is that it will lose its potency over time, and it may even cause your symptoms to worsen. First, fasting prior to bloodwork in veterinary medicine is uncommon, except for certain types of testing. color: #fcb040!important; View all posts by Dr. Chris Vanderhoof, DVM, MPH, Marbofloxacin For Cats: Overview, Dosage & Side Effects, L-lysine For Cats: Overview, Dosage & Side Effects, Lactulose For Cats: Overview, Dosage & Side Effects, Solensia For Cats: Overview, Dosage & Side Effects, New Research Proves Owning A Cat Is Good For Your Heart, 10 Proven Ways To Show Your Cat You Love Her, Is Your Cat Lonely? As with all medications, it is important to follow all the labeled directions. Amoxicillin is a common antibiotic prescribed for both cats and dogs to address a variety of bacterial infections. So, your pets expired meds dont exactly turn into a pumpkin after they reach their expiration date, but there are some good reasons to dispose of them. However, overdosing or giving it incorrectly is toxic for the felines. The Pros of Antibiotic Injections for Cats. You're free to offer your own below. I also noticed a jelly like bloody discharge in her urine (a little amount but its definitely there). Giving amoxicillin to your kitty around the time of a meal can help to offset these possible effects. Copyright 2023 Upgrade Your Cat | UpgradeYourCat.com | As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Antibiotic use during and after dentals is hotly debated in our field. Only stop the antibiotic with your vets prescription to avoid antibiotic resistance. If it was previously clear and it is now cloudy even if it has NOT expired Id question the stability of this medication. There a lot of cat rescues. Bacteria come in different types, usually classified as Gram-positive or Gram-negative. Regular use of probiotics for cats can prevent digestive issues and ease symptoms like vomiting, stomach irritation, constipation, and diarrhea. If your vet mixes the liquid and says it expires in 7 or 14 days then Id honor that. You might be wondering about the amoxicillin dosage for cats. 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. Reasons to Honor Veterinary Drug Expiration Dates. They knew that I would speak the truth regardless of pet owners or other veterinarians liked it or not. And it's not consumer friendly. It does so by blocking bacteria's protein-creating process, a process on which the bacteria depend for survival. If our cat is taking any other medication or has any underlying medical condition, the veterinarian needs to be informed. If no date can be found, it is safest to consider a medication expired six months after being dispensed. Do you Know? How long before it takes effect and what symptoms should I look for? However, if there is no color or odor change and it is a few days beyond that date it is probably okay. A huge animal lover, born and raised around dogs, cats, chickens Amoxicillin dosage of 5-10mg per pound. Keflex is the antibiotic of choice, but Ill guess your cat is a male. .medication-table h2{ If no date can be found, it is safest to consider a medication expired six months after being dispensed. However, if there is no color or odor change and it is a few days beyond that date it is probably okay. Prescription medications are no different. Throwing up. Many veterinarians consider having updated lab work within 30 days of an anesthetic event to be a standard of care. We look at what cases the antibiotic may be administered by understanding the uses, dosage and side effects of the drug. That yogurt in the back of the fridge probably has at least a week or two past the stamped date, right? Why waste? However, there are a few liquid medications that are less stable if refrigerated and they should clearly say so on the package. In short, what your veterinarian prescribes! Always discard medications that have obvious changes to color, texture, etc. Answer: Only if Approved by Your Vet Amoxicillin specifically targets certain strains of bacteria and therefore is not prescribed for all kinds of infections. align-items: center; Antibiotics are slowly losing their effectiveness, this is called antibiotic resistance. Share Improve this answer Follow answered Apr 22, 2017 at 17:55 Harry V. 5,989 2 16 35 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. However, if a cat were to get into and consume an amount of amoxicillin much higher than a typically prescribed dosage, like say, a 500mg human tablet, severe digestive upset may occur. WebHowever, a lot of cats may be allergic to penicillin and can develop side effects: Chronic diarrhea. Give all of the amoxicillin that is prescribed for your pet, since symptoms may begin to improve before the infection is completely treated. 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. How do you know if amoxicillin is the appropriate antibiotic for it? 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. Lack of appetite and refusal to eat. For more information, or to ask about an expired veterinary medication, please call us. Your veterinarian might want to culture the abscess or wound. Amoxicillin tends to be more effective than penicillin because it lasts longer. Cats should never be given Amoxicillin prescribed for human use, however convenient it may be for pet owners. Your email address will not be published. The bacteria then die. There is also tetracycline ointment for cats. [Ultimate Guide], Can Cats Get Norovirus? A Last Recourse Prescribed by Veterinarian You should always consult with the vet about the best antibiotic to be used and its potential side effects. Obviously for very small or very large cats this dose needs to be adjusted at a veterinarian's recommendation. If we see that our cat is suffering from an infection, we will want to do anything we can to help ease any suffering. Cats should never be given Amoxicillin prescribed for human use, however convenient it may be for pet owners. Most vets are using it off-label at every 8-12 hours, similar to the labeled dosage for dogs. Often extra-label higher doses are used by vets. 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 It is also one of the most commonly used antibiotics in the world. -Has large urinary output + sometimes has a hard time holding it in (had a few accidents) (However, the cholesterol was 427, but that vet didnt have us 12 hour fast Willy. While human amoxicillin is actually the same medication, the dosage forms available for people may be problematic for use with cats. Use of antibiotics and antiinflammatories for dental procedures may vary based on an individual veterinarians judgment in a particular case. 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. Expiration dates are only achieved when a medication is stored according to directions (look at temperature, light exposure, humidity, etc.). Yes Dosage Chart by Weight, Dexamethasone Injection for Cats Dosage Chart & Uses, Safe Gabapentin For Cats Dosage Chart | Dose Calculator, Pyrantel Pamoate Dosage for cats Safe Dose Chart, Why Do Cats Tails Puff Up When Happy? Hopefully, there may be a vet in your area that could help provide some more specific guidance. 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. This last is the part that can be hard to determine with many products. Amoxicillin works by binding directly to certain parts of the cell membrane of susceptible bacteria, inhibiting development of the cell wall and making the bacteria unstable, thus killing them. Using a medication that is not as potent as intended could result in the medication being ineffective. Cat sized doses can be bought at pet supply stores. It is often reconstituted with water at your vets practice when you receive it. The side effects of vet-prescribed Amoxicillin for cats can be: shortness of breath, rash, vomiting, nausea, and abdominal pain. Giving amoxicillin to your kitty around the time of a meal can help to offset these possible effects. For this reason, amoxicillin prescriptions for kittens are fairly common. Share Improve this answer Follow answered Apr 22, 2017 at 17:55 Harry V. 5,989 2 16 35 But this isnt the main point of my question). You can give your cat Fish Mox (50mg 2-3 times per day). padding: 15px 5px 15px 5px; Amoxicillin is a highly effective antibiotic, but it will not work as well after its expiration date if you have already taken it. 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. 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. Changes in health status, other concurrent conditions, and the addition of new medications or supplements could make an old prescription inappropriate. It is primarily used in cats and is commonly prescribed for urinary tract infections (kidneys, bladder, and prostate) and skin infections (mainly post-traumatic wounds and abscesses). If no date can be found, it is safest to consider a medication expired six months after being dispensed. It is not wise to rely on the drugs appearance to assess whether or not it is still good. FridaySunday: 7 a.m.6 p.m. www.felineliving.net is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. The answer is: No, not without the express consent and direction of your veterinarian. Can I Give My Cat Amoxicillin? display: flex; This product is Clavamox. Salivation in excess. Required fields are marked *. This will lead to skin rashes (not to be confused with problems like scabies in cats), fever and, in severe cases, anaphylactic shock. Address: 3832 Monroe Road, Charlotte, NC 28205 If a medication is past the expiration date determined by the manufacturer, it is best not to use it. They can come as tablets, in liquid form, drops, cream or an injection. Read between the lines: We don't want to be legally responsible. Directions. Yes and no. Dr. Vanderhoof lives in the Northern Virginia area with his family, including 3 cats. As such, never self-prescribe the medication to your cat, even if you are a medical doctor. You might need to repeat blood tests to check for this type of disease process. Additionally, and perhaps surprisingly, the reason you can purchase fish amoxicillin over the counter is that it is not regulated by the FDA at all. But blood tests only reveal evidence of kidney failure in pets once 72% or more of the kidneys have been lost. 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. -Indoor Cat lives with 2 other cats 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. 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. It does so by blocking bacteria's protein-creating process, a process on which the bacteria depend for survival. 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. Cats can be given amoxicillin. Dont worry, Animal Skin and Allergy Clinic has the scoop on expiration dates on veterinary drugs, so that you can stay on task with your decluttering resolutions. Amoxicillin has many brand names as well as generic forms. WebIs Amoxicillin Safe for Cats? WebThe easiest way to give your cat liquid medication is to mix it in with some canned food. Consult with your veterinarian to ensure you are treating the correct affliction in the most effective way possible. text-align: center; In immunocompromised people, this infection can be fatal. Symptoms usually end when administration does. When give to a vulnerable kitten, the risk is even higher. An extended treatment with antibiotics can lead to yeast infections, especially if the cats immune system is -Other cats dont have the same symptoms So why then does the FDA feel justified in placing limits where they previously did not exist? Required fields are marked *. So why make them come in again for a "fresh" round? As mentioned before, amoxicillin isn't used in cases where viruses or fungal infections are suspected. WebIt is unusual for a cat to have high blood pressure in isolation from something like chronic kidney disease. Before you just toss them in the trash, refer to the FDAs safe drug disposal information to be sure that you are doing things properly. One, you mentioned that amoxicillin will address worms. Required fields are marked *. Follow the dosing instructions provided by your veterinarian. A large and important part of the immune system is located in the gut. 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. .medication-table .table-row .item-title{ Use of this site is subject to our terms of use and privacy policy. In this case, we may think giving amoxicillin to the cat will be beneficial. Overdose of amoxicillin can lead to poisoning which results in liver and kidney failure in cats. If so, your veterinarian may have prescribed antibiotics. .cliverse-medication-title{ DONT skip doses or fail to use the entire course of antibiotics as prescribed to your cat. When to Call an Emergency Vet, 4 Ways You Can Help Animals in Your Community. Firstly, thanks so much for being a caretaker for a feral cat population. There are a wide variety of antibiotics that might be used, and one of the most common is amoxicillin. 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. Wishing your cat all the best! FDA Approved? Additionally, hypersensitivity may occur in some cats. border-bottom: 3px solid #fcb040; But it's not fair! Yesterday's Morning Edition on NPR featured Joanne Silberner's report on human drugs and their expiration dates. To know about amoxicillin dosage for cats by weight, please look at the below dosage chart by weight. Loves a good book (about animals) and playing the piano. I think my cat might have a UTI because shes having trouble releasing a full bladder and/or having the urge to go when she doesnt really need to. Fresh Breath. Tetracycline for cats is a multipurpose antibiotic typically available as a capsule or tablet. We brought him the blood work-up results for a dental cleaning last year from another vet. It can be nearly impossible to tell when the chemical stability of a product is altered. It is not worth the risk of a reaction or problem from using expired medications. Injectable medications are generally considered less stable and often have shorter shelf lives than oral pill or capsule medication. Non-castrated males are also more susceptible since they are more likely to fight or get into mischief. Giving the medicine in the safe amount will not harm your kitty, however amoxicillin can cause the below mentioned side effects in your tom or queen. 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. The side effects of amoxicillin are usually mild and infrequent, involving gastrointestinal upset like vomiting and diarrhea. Amoxicillin For Cats: Dosage, Safety & Side Effects. Everything You Need To Know, Is It Safe To Have Cats Around Newborns? Most cats take a 62.5 milligram dosage twice daily for a set amount of days. For more information, please contact us. } Some, like amoxicillin, are bactericidal, which means they kill the bacteria. Unfortunately its not clear that your cat truly has a UTI with what youve described, or that a UTI if present, is the only issue your cat has. Others, though, may be prescribed on an as needed basis. While there are many medicines suitable for human use which are unsuitable for cats, amoxicillin is not one of them. The vet last year didnt give us the antibiotics and pain medications. Even if your kitty did have a UTI, the amoxicillin you have would not be appropriate to give. Most vets call for a dose every 8-12 hours. However, if there is no color or odor change and it is a few days beyond that date it is probably okay. This article has been fact checked and verified by our veterinary adviser.. Amoxicillin should only be used to treat bacterial infections and not viral or parasitic infections. Copyright 1999 - 2023. Veterinarians can prescribe Amoxicillin for pet use. If your vet mixes the liquid and says it expires in 7 or 14 days then Id honor that. As a bactericidal antibiotic, it has the ability to kill certain strains of bacteria causing infections. If you wish to store your veterinary pharmaceuticals, it is essential that you adhere to storage 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. If your vet prescribes two bottles, they should provide you with instructions on how to mix up the second bottle. 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. Therefore, probiotics for cats also help support healthier immunity. text-align: center; 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. The shelf life once reconstituted is real. 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:. No matter whether it is given orally or topically, tetracycline destroys bacterial infections. Please rush him to vet or hospital, as uric acid crystals block the urethra (which will kill your cat within a few days). So what do I recommend YOU to do? Catheterization, medication and special food are indicated. I feed ten feral cats friskies canned cat food. Make sure to follow your veterinarians prescription to avoid health complications. With some liquid medications it can be obvious by a color change or change in consistency. Good luck! How much Amoxicillin is the amount in the blood) in one to two hours. Fleming discovered penicillin growing as a mold in Fleming's laboratory. Question 3: Did last years vet proceed dangerously not recommending a 12 hour fast, or is there a technology they utilized to prevent potential choking from vomiting of Willy? Amoxicillin for cats is often one of the first drugs of choice. I hope that information helps. Studies have shown that amoxicillin is effective against bacteria found in the skin and mouth. You might need to repeat blood tests to check for this type of disease process. 500mg demands a immediate hospital visit for stomach pump and carbon. We work to make the world a better place for cats, and we're getting better for you. If your pet is critically ill Id say no dont use ANY expired medications. Amoxicillin usually comes in both pills and liquid suspension forms. I have Amoxicillin. Therefore, probiotics for cats also help support healthier immunity. font-weight: 700; Image from Instagram:@petdiseasealerts It would be prudent not to give your dog any human amoxicillin. Two, fish amoxicillin is designed to be added to the water of a fish tank and absorbed by fish. It is indeed possible to give amoxicillin to kittens or young cats for the pathologies mentioned above. Pic of the day: "Messed up" by maggiejumps. While you can safely store the medication after its expiration date, it is not recommended. Liquid amoxicillin needs to be kept in the refrigerator except when you are giving it to your cat. Respiratory infections are also treated by amoxicillin, but it will depend on the specific infection. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Cats.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Can I Give My Cat Amoxicillin? (Good thing I'm not in charge, seeing as I'm occasionally ignorant of basic rules.) While discontinuing an antibiotic may relieve the side effects, this will also leave the original bacterial infection untreated. If not 50mg available, open the 250 mg capsule and divide it into fifths. 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. The pain medication is Onsior. Independence America Holdings Corp. All Rights Reserved. Dosage should be continued for 57 days or 48 hours after all symptoms have subsided. The reason is that it will lose its potency over time, and it may even cause your symptoms to worsen. For some medications, I would feel comfortable using on my own pets if they were expired by 1 to 2 years. Hi Dr. Chris, Amoxicillin is effective against members of both of these categories. As this is too late to be of use, I hope your cat survived. In how many forms Amoxicillinis available? Shes been urinating in the shower and has a little blood during urination. WebSo, can I give my cat amoxicillin? Make sure to follow your veterinarians prescription to avoid health complications. To know more about various drugs which can be administered to cats, you can look at this article on Buprenex for cats. The Pros of Antibiotic Injections for Cats. What kind of illnesses can humans contract from cats? Animal Medical Hospital wants you to know why the dates on your pets medications matter. I dont know. The Irreverent Veterinarian is a columnist that regularly contributes to PetPlace.com. Generally, an antibiotic injection is fast acting, which means it might help your pet feel better soon after she receives the shot. Alexander Fleming developed the first antibiotic in 1928. Antibiotics are powerful and we should never administer them to our cat without instruction from our veterinarian. Share Improve this answer Follow answered Apr 22, 2017 at 17:55 Harry V. 5,989 2 16 35 Again, this will depend on the above factors, but it needs to be taken with food to avoid digestive problems. Also, sometimes your cat might get a scrape that gets infected. .table-footer a{ Since every cat is an individual, each cat will respond differently to amoxicillin. One of the main examples is that misuse of antibiotics will increase bacterial resistance. However, it can be excreted via milk in small amounts. : So Ive guessed since there is pus I should give him antibiotic? We have seen that several antibiotics for humans that are commonly used in cats and dogs, one of the most commonly used is amoxicillin. These are a good reminder of why Amoxicillin is only prescribed to cats when absolutely required. As you can see, it is vital we pay attention to the directives of the veterinarian. Your veterinarian may help prescribe the antibiotic dose for your kitty after observing physically. In that case, you can skip the missed dose. The recommended dosage is 50 mg (510 mg/lb) once a day. WebThe easiest way to give your cat liquid medication is to mix it in with some canned food. However, some veterinarians may prescribe every 8-10 hours. Add them to the Cats Food: The Fish-Mox capsules are 250 mg. amoxicillin, recommended dosage one capsule twice per day, in food. That's wasteful! If stomach upset occurs, try giving the medication with food. Tetracycline for cats is a multipurpose antibiotic typically available as a capsule or tablet. So I take care of an outdoor cat, I always feed him form my food not wet or canned, he is 10 months old, Others, like the Atopica for Cats liquid that we often prescribe, last only a few months. It was penicillin, which makes this an important medication. This can delay appropriate treatment, allowing for a condition to worsen in the interim, potentially putting the pet at risk. In other words, if your kitty is doing well at a prescribed dose, an accidental extra dose or overdose would not cause these effects. A large and important part of the immune system is located in the gut. Many drugs, such as antibiotics, are intended to be given as a full course with no leftovers. 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. Amoxicillin will only work against certain bacteria. The shelf life once reconstituted is real. But blood tests only reveal evidence of kidney failure in pets once 72% or more of the kidneys have been lost. Medication still in powder form is probably still good for 1 to 2 years beyond the expiration on the label. The licking of private areas and urinary pain could be concerning for this. 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. DONT skip doses or fail to use the entire course of antibiotics as prescribed to your cat. } The labelled dosage of Clavamox for UTI in cats is 62.5 mg per cat twice daily for 10-14 days. Our customer service department gets a lot of emails from cat lovers about every type of question you can imagine about cats. This type of antibiotic for cats is also used in the treatment of urogenital problems, often affecting males due to their protruding genitals. Amoxicillin specifically targets certain strains of bacteria and therefore is not prescribed for all kinds of infections. 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. You might be wondering if Fluffy can take amoxicillin, and, unless she's allergic, she can. This article is a complete and comprehensive guide about the use of Amoxicillin(Aminopenicillin) for felines. -Urine does not have the strong urea smell or discoloration Salivation in excess. border-bottom: 1px solid #ccc; I think so, anyway. The answer is: No, not without the express consent and direction of your veterinarian. It is the same antibiotic, but in a completely different dosage and mixture and is specifically designed for our pet friends.