Pet Medication 101: Clavamox

1. Drug Name:

Amoxicillin/Clavulanic Acid

2. Common Name or Brand Name:

Clavamox

3. How Dispensed:

Prescription only

4. Forms:

Tablets 62.5mg, Tablets 125mg, Tablets 250mg, Tablets 375mg, Oral Suspension 62.5mg/ml

5. Drug Type/Class:

Aminopenicillin with beta-lactamase, broad-spectrum antibiotic

6. Uses in Dogs and Cats:

Clavamox is commonly used to treat bacterial skin infections, urinary tract infections, periodontal disease, and soft tissue infections.

7. How it works:

It combines the broad-spectrum antibiotic activity of amoxicillin with the unique β-lactamase-inhibiting effect of the clavulanic acid, allowing it to bind to the bacterial cell wall. Clavamox is bactericidal, meaning that it kills bacteria.

8. Side Effects and/or Signs of Overdose:

This antibiotic is very well tolerated by pets and side effects are infrequent. However, allergic reactions, loss of appetite, diarrhea, and vomiting have all been seen with this drug. If used at high doses for prolonged periods of time, ataxia, tachycardia, and dyspnea have been reported.

9. Drug Interactions:

Bacteriostatic antibiotics are not generally recommended with penicillin. Drugs like Chloramphenicol, Erythromycin, and Tetracyclines should all be avoided. Probenecid can block the secretion of penicillin from the kidney and is also contra-indicated.

10. Cautionary Statements:

Clavamox should be avoided in patients that have hypersensitivity reactions to penicillin. It should be used cautiously, decreasing the dosage and frequency, in patients with significant kidney disease.

Read more:

Pet Medication Guide: What Common Medications Can and Can’t Dogs Take?

Flea and Tick Medication Guide for Pet Parents

How to Give Your Dog Oral Medication

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