FDA Approved? Others, like the Atopica for Cats liquid that we often prescribe, last only a few months. You can give your cat Fish Mox (50mg 2-3 times per day). A huge animal lover, born and raised around dogs, cats, chickens Do you Know? Thank you so much doctor for your time and reading my problem please help me and tell me what to do and what dose and how many times a day ( Since I cant go to a vet because there is no one near me unless If I drove for 3 hours and I cant) + please excuse my bad English (Im not a native speaker) thank you so so much again. Cats should never be given Amoxicillin prescribed for human use, however convenient it may be for pet owners. Obviously for very small or very large cats this dose needs to be adjusted at a veterinarian's recommendation. These include vomiting, diarrhea, or just a softer stool. Not the easiest thing to do depending on the cat, but it can work well as an antiseptic for broken/torn/quicked nails. It is more resistant to stomach acids, which would readily degrade penicillin. .table-footer{ Everything You Need To Know, Is It Safe To Have Cats Around Newborns? You should inform your vet about any allergies your cat may have, especially if you know your cat to be allergic to any drugs. To be honest, many worry that there are liability issues involved if they tell you a medication is okay to use and it is not. 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. This can delay appropriate treatment, allowing for a condition to worsen in the interim, potentially putting the pet at risk. Always discard medications that have obvious changes to color, texture, etc. margin: 0!important; Furthermore, Amoxicillin is only effective for specific bacteria. My cat had some expired amoxicillin.it is expired In any pet showing such signs, but especially in cats, it is important to get an actual diagnosis if possible before considering antibiotics. However, if there is no color or odor change and it is a few days beyond that date it is probably okay. 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. font-size: 14px; Hi Dominique, thanks for your question. This commentary allows vets to say what they think and give you, the pet owner, the opportunity to consider another view. Hello Loreen, thank you for commenting! While we should always take the prescribed dosage, some people either do not or for whatever reason have some extra in their medicine cabinet. Thankfully, amoxicillin tends to be very well tolerated by cats. Probiotics for Cats Some last a very long time, up to several years. Therefore, probiotics for cats also help support healthier immunity. Dont make your cat suffer any longer! DONT skip doses or fail to use the entire course of antibiotics as prescribed to your cat. When it comes to veterinary drug expiration dates, it is not so safe to gamble. This being the law and all that. It can also cause bacterial resistance to develop. These are more common in the upper airways. In this case, we may think giving amoxicillin to the cat will be beneficial. 16429 7th Place West padding: 10px; -Has large urinary output + sometimes has a hard time holding it in (had a few accidents) Lack of appetite and refusal to eat. Read more here. All medications that we prescribe to our patients come with an expiration date. line-height: 50px; As a bactericidal antibiotic, amoxicillin has the ability to kill certain kinds of bacteria causing infections. (However, the cholesterol was 427, but that vet didnt have us 12 hour fast Willy. Prescription Required? Injectable Antibiotics for Cats: Pros WebHowever, a lot of cats may be allergic to penicillin and can develop side effects: Chronic diarrhea. Only stop the antibiotic with your vets prescription to avoid antibiotic resistance. margin: 0; It can be used alone or as a combination antibiotic like Clavamox. It makes it even more potent and long-lasting. Amoxicillin is not poisonous to cats, is very safe at prescribed doses, and side effects are uncommon. 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. The Pros of Antibiotic Injections for Cats. It is administered orally and reaches its maximum plasma concentration (i.e. Your email address will not be published. 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. Required fields are marked *. This makes it more important to keep close tabs on the the expiration date. Interestingly, the labeled dosage for cats for amoxicillin calls for giving it just once a day. While you can safely store the medication after its expiration date, it is not recommended. Can I give my cat Amoxicillin The consequences to using insulin that is bad can be dangerous. Amoxicillin Salivation in excess. WebSo, can I give my cat amoxicillin? .medication-table h2{ Injectable Antibiotics for Cats: Pros Finding the safe dosage of Amoxicillin for the kitten is a challenging task. Amoxicillin as an antibiotic comes in several different forms and dosages. Sometimes I think the pharmacy industry protests too much on their own behalf. While there are many medicines suitable for human use which are unsuitable for cats, amoxicillin is not one of them. However, if there is no color or odor change and it is a few days beyond that date it is probably okay. With some liquid medications it can be obvious by a color change or change in consistency. There are liquid medications (such as insulin) that are made in smaller vials so if you are using small quantities in a month consider asking the pharmacist if it is available in smaller portions (which are generally less expensive) to minimize waste. Yes and no. 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. Urinary tract infections can plague some cats. This article has been fact checked and verified by our veterinary adviser.. I also noticed a jelly like bloody discharge in her urine (a little amount but its definitely there). color: #fff; How much discomfort occurs during a regular dental cleaning when no tooth extraction has occurred is also debated. While human amoxicillin is actually the same medication, the dosage forms available for people may be problematic for use with cats. Before you just toss them in the trash, refer to the. 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. If you are concerned that your cat is not getting better or may have been misdiagnosed, go back to the veterinarian. Essentially the same antibiotics are effective in cats and in humans, however always in different concentrations and dosages. Copyright 2023 Animal Medical Hospital and 24 Hour Urgent Care. While there are many medicines suitable for human use which are unsuitable for cats, amoxicillin is not one of them. 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! Copyright 2023 Upgrade Your Cat | UpgradeYourCat.com | As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 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. The Pros of Antibiotic Injections for Cats. If we see that our cat is suffering from an infection, we will want to do anything we can to help ease any suffering. Since every cat is an individual, each cat will respond differently to amoxicillin. Make sure to keep all the medicine away from the children and your pet reach. Click to attach a photo related to your comment, Can You Give Cats Amoxicillin? Respiratory infections are also treated by amoxicillin, but it will depend on the specific infection. Turns out I was right. Should I be doing this because it takes care of their worms. All antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections and amoxicillin is no exception. 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. We have seen that several antibiotics for humans that are commonly used in cats and dogs, one of the most commonly used is amoxicillin. Wishing your cat all the best! 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:. 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 } Pic of the day: "Messed up" by maggiejumps. Antibiotics 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. Though I'd never heard of this law, it seems pharmacists are required to attach a one-year expiration date to all of the drugs they dispense. Answer: Only if Approved by Your Vet Amoxicillin specifically targets certain strains of bacteria and therefore is not prescribed for all kinds of infections. An extended treatment with antibiotics can lead to yeast infections, especially if the cats immune system is This being the law and all that. I would recommend finding a veterinarian who practices telehealth and getting the prescription from them so that you can purchase it. These can occur as upper respiratory infections, urinary tract infections, and even skin infections. They may have you get it filled at a human pharmacy like Walgreens. If you dont have the right dosage of an antibiotic for the right length of time, it may not fully help and only lead to bacterial resistance. Side effects of amoxicillin in cats are typically mild and infrequent but when they do occur, most often include digestive upset, like vomiting, diarrhea, and a decrease in appetite. That tells you how much amoxicillin for cats, but Clavamox is even easier to dispense. Giving an antibiotic willy nilly or stopping short of the whole course can prove far worse than not using antibiotics at all. Most liquid medications that are not reconstituted also have a shelf life of 1 to 2 years but once reconstituted (mixed with water such as powered amoxicillin is mixed with water) most expire in about 7 to 14 days depending on the specific product. 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. Our veterinarian will decide on the most suitable administration method and an injectable form is also available. Liquid amoxicillin needs to be kept in the refrigerator except when you are giving it to your cat. However, if there is no color or odor change and it is a few days beyond that date it is probably okay. It is often reconstituted with water at your vets practice when you receive it. Use of this site is subject to our terms of use and privacy policy. It is important to keep in mind that some infections may not be bacterial. My cat had some expired amoxicillin.it is expired They will also listen to their chest for signs of pneumonia. For more information, or to ask about an expired veterinary medication, please, Is It an Emergency or Just Urgent? The answer is: No, not without the express consent and direction of your veterinarian. So your vet will be careful about the dose they give you for your cat. If your kitty is dealing with a very concerning infection, your vet may, for example, recommend starting a probiotic as opposed to discontinuing an antibiotic. All antibiotics, for human or pet use, have side effects. Amoxicillin is a broad-spectrum antibiotic. If not 50mg available, open the 250 mg capsule and divide it into fifths. margin-bottom: 20px; I would suggest seeing if your vet could at least consult with you by phone to discuss these signs and concerns more and they may be able to provide you with accurate dosing if appropriate. Amoxicillin is a highly effective antibiotic, but it will not work as well after its expiration date if you have already taken it. WebAntibiotics for cats. As this is too late to be of use, I hope your cat survived. 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. Antibiotics for Cats Amoxicillin will only work against certain bacteria. Your veterinarian will often collect a sample of her urine. Animal Medical Hospital wants you to know why the dates on your pets medications matter. Many insulin medications expire 30 days form the date you open them. A much more serious parasitic worm is Toxoplasma gondii, the infection of which being called toxoplasmosis. Most oral pills or capsules expire in 1 to 2 years from date of manufacturing. Amazon, the Amazon logo, AmazonSupply, and the AmazonSupply logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. Also, inform your veterinarian about any kidney or stomach problems your cat may have or had in the past as Amoxicillin may cause further damage of these organs. Loves a good book (about animals) and playing the piano. If you want to read similar articles to Can You Give Cats Amoxicillin? Why? Therefore, probiotics for cats also help support healthier immunity. 1. Antibiotic use during and after dentals is hotly debated in our field. Longer than 2 years, then Id replace. However, overdosing or giving it incorrectly is toxic for the felines. Amoxicillin is a highly effective antibiotic, but it will not work as well after its expiration date if you have already taken it. The liquid form typically needs to be refrigerated. 01.30.2018 by The expiration date is always one year out unless the manufacturer's expiration date precedes it. Veterinarians can prescribe Amoxicillin for pet use. 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. Antibiotics are slowly losing their effectiveness, this is called antibiotic resistance. Giving an antibiotic willy nilly or stopping short of the whole course can prove far worse than not using antibiotics at all. But this isnt the main point of my question). The topic that Ill address today isHow Long Do Expired Medications Really Last? The usual dose of amoxicillin in dogs and cats is 5-10 mg/lb every 12-24 hours. Yesterday's Morning Edition on NPR featured Joanne Silberner's report on human drugs and their expiration dates. If no date can be found, it is safest to consider a medication expired six months after being dispensed. I have treated her for worms. This product is Clavamox. Directions. Even if your kitty did have a UTI, the amoxicillin you have would not be appropriate to give. However, my cat is 17.2 pounds is 50 mg the max daily dosing? They may need to suspend treatment or treat any secondary problems. Any kind of out of pocket medical care is going to be expensive and helps to have some funds set aside for emergencies. However, overdosing or giving it incorrectly is toxic for the felines. I would not want to tell you that a medication is still good and it doesnt work to later find out that it didnt work putting your pet at risk. In that case, you can skip the missed dose. Amoxicillin antibiotic is not approved by FDA for pet use but still veterinarians around the world often prescribe it for cats due to its tonic health properties. Before you use any liquid medication make sure that the color is the same and there are no abnormalities. Get it on Chewy Clavamox (Amoxicillin + Clavulanic Acid). Even a medication that was once prescribed to an individual pet may no longer be appropriate. Amoxicillin has many brand names as well as generic forms. I have a 6 mo old kitten who weighs under 2 lbs. 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. Your veterinarian may fall in the first camp or otherwise may have felt that the amount of tartar present warranted sending antibiotics home. We just got our cat,Willy, back from the vet for a dental cleaning. Knowing about the safe Amoxicillin dosage for cats is essential for every pet owner. 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). shes 8 years old and has been healthy until recently (blood in urine). Amoxicillin should only be used to treat bacterial infections and not viral or parasitic infections. This has another medication added to the amoxicillin. The labelled dosage of Clavamox for UTI in cats is 62.5 mg per cat twice daily for 10-14 days. An extended treatment with antibiotics can lead to yeast infections, especially if the cats immune system is Changes in health status, other concurrent conditions, and the addition of new medications or supplements could make an old prescription inappropriate. Overdose of amoxicillin can lead to poisoning which results in liver and kidney failure in cats. Turns out that my veterinary hospital employer follows the pharmacy rules. You might need to repeat blood tests to check for this type of disease process. Animal Medical Hospital, Animal Medical Hospital and 24 Hour Urgent Care. One of the main examples is that misuse of antibiotics will increase bacterial resistance. It tends to be an inexpensive option that is very safe and generally well tolerated. 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. Common signs or symptoms of an upper respiratory infection include runny eyes, sniffling, sneezing, and sometimes even coughing. This article is a complete and comprehensive guide about the use of Amoxicillin(Aminopenicillin) for felines. Although you have treated for some worms, there is no catch-all dewormer. - 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. to be sure that you are doing things properly. That's wasteful! When it comes to veterinary drug expiration dates, it is not so safe to gamble. For this reason, amoxicillin prescriptions for kittens are fairly common. This is a problem in both human and veterinary medicine. My Dog Keeps Licking Her Private Area - All Possible Reasons, My Dog's Poop Starts Solid Then Goes Soft. What to Do if My Dog has Something Stuck in his Throat? Yep. If your vet mixes the liquid and says it expires in 7 or 14 days then Id honor that. 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. There is also tetracycline ointment for cats. font-size: 14px; So I take care of an outdoor cat, I always feed him form my food not wet or canned, he is 10 months old, If only a month and year are listed, the medication is expired on the last day of the listed month. Because amoxicillin-clavulanate, commonly known as the brand Clavamox, has a broader spectrum of action against some bacteria, it is more commonly used than regular amoxicillin, especially for cats. For more information, or to ask about an expired veterinary medication, please call us. Some medications must be kept within a certain temperature range, while others might be light sensitive. -My mom said, she spotted him possibly dripping However, some vets may adjust this based on their own discretion, which may depend on a patients age and any prior health history. My cat had some expired amoxicillin.it is expired Expiration Dates on Veterinary Drugs: Do They Matter? Make sure to wash your hands before and after giving the medication. Common Names: Recently, they forwarded some emails they thought were suited to me, the Irreverent Veterinarian. Inappropriateness Even a medication that was once prescribed to an individual pet may no longer be appropriate. Required fields are marked *. Tetracycline for cats is a multipurpose antibiotic typically available as a capsule or tablet. Amoxicillin Hi Jennifer, thanks for your question. Amoxicillin comes in a liquid suspension, tablet, and capsule forms. Doing so frequently can make the medication ineffective. In how many forms Amoxicillinis available? Scheduling an appointment with your vet would be the best thing to do here. As mentioned before, amoxicillin isn't used in cases where viruses or fungal infections are suspected. Amoxicillin is a well-known veterinary medicine, and veterinarians often prescribe it off the label to address bacterial infection in cats. If used to treat other bacterial infections it will have no effect at all. If no date can be found, it is safest to consider a medication expired six months after being dispensed. Should you keep these things, and for how long? background: #fcb040; By that, I assume youre referring to intestinal worms like roundworms, hookworms, or tapeworms, which these kitties could certainly have. Indiscriminate use of any antibiotic can lead to resistant bacterial populations, which make treating infections more difficult. While some medications may change color or texture, this does not always happen. Does amoxicillin expire? Are they safe Make sure to follow your veterinarians prescription to avoid health complications. Potential Side Effects Other precautions to guard against this are taken as well, including the placement of the endotracheal tube that seals off the airway and is only removed once the pet can start swallowing again. Amoxicillin For Cats When we dispense a medication for your pet, an expiration date is also printed on the prescription label. This antibiotic has been around for a long time and is very effective against many types of bacteria. 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 Your veterinarian may help prescribe the antibiotic dose for your kitty after observing physically. Truth About Veterinary Drug Expiration Dates Keeping lids sealed to prevent air exposure and moisture contamination is important, as well. 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? Incorrectly giving any medicine to your pet will harm more than benefit. -Indoor Cat lives with 2 other cats Answer: Only if Approved by Your Vet Amoxicillin specifically targets certain strains of bacteria and therefore is not prescribed for all kinds of infections. Cats can be given amoxicillin. The goal is to add a balanced and alternative view of some controversial pet issues. Indoor cats are less likely to come home bearing the scars of a fight, but can still fall victim to diseases. Form: The ideal and safe dosage of Amoxicillin tablet for cats is 5-10 mg/lb or 10-15 mg/kg, and liquid oral suspension is 2-9 ml/lb every 12-24 hours. If there are still problems on day 10, take your cat to the vet. Potent Immunity. Amoxicillin has a wide dosage range. How much should I give? display: block; Amoxicillin dosage of 5-10mg per pound. WebIs Amoxicillin Safe for Cats? While it may not directly cause harm, using an expired drug may have some negative effects including: Often when people utilize old medications, they are doing so without guidance from a veterinarian. border-bottom: 1px solid #ccc; This antibiotic drug binds directly to certain parts of the cell membrane that are infected by bacteria and fight to stop and inhibit the development of the cell wall and thus weaken the kills staphylococcus and streptococcus bacteria stability and kill them. Salivation in excess. Symptoms usually end when administration does. If your vet prescribes two bottles, they should provide you with instructions on how to mix up the second bottle. It is not appropriate to medicate the cat with amoxicillin of our own volition. -Now crying in pain as he licks his privates. We work to make the world a better place for cats, and we're getting better for you. One of the most common injuries seen in these kitties are abscesses because bacteria gets trapped under the skin from the other cat's tooth or nail. Doing so frequently can make the medication ineffective. Humans can get parasitic worms, such as feline tapeworm, if infected fleas are swallowed. 2023 Cliverse Media Ltd. Be the first to get our latest updates, insider videos, cat health resources, and more. Question 2: We were given liquid antibiotics to administer twice a day orally and three pain medication pills to administer once a day for three days. As the NPR report finally concluded, there's no need to trifle with meds that potentially offer immediate, life-saving benefits. Be sure to use and care for your pets medication responsibly, and when in doubt, throw it out! flex-wrap: wrap; OK, so I'll concede to the second point. Do you need to toss all those partially used medications you have stashed in your pets medical supplies? Fresh Breath. If no date can be found, it is safest to consider a medication expired six months after being dispensed. 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. Required fields are marked *. 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:. In immunocompromised people, this infection can be fatal. In that case, you can skip the missed dose. align-items: center; At AnimalWised, we ask can you give cats amoxicillin? Giving Amoxicillin to your cat without your veterinarians prescription is not considered safe and ideal. 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. So your vet will be careful about the dose they give you for your cat.