Additionally, hypersensitivity may occur in some cats. Turns out that my veterinary hospital employer follows the pharmacy rules. font-size: 14px; If you miss a dose, give it to your cat unless it's almost time for the next dose. You have half a tube of ointment from that one time Fluffy had an ear infection, a few pills rattling around from when she was so itchy last summer, and almost a full bottle of some type of pain pill from the time she sprained a paw. Make sure to follow your veterinarians prescription to avoid health complications. The concentration is much too high for cats unique livers to process and it could seriously harm your cat. Your veterinarian will likely look for eye or nasal discharge. Amoxicillin So Ive guessed since there is pus I should give him antibiotic? 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. Expiration dates on veterinary drugs are important because, as time marches on, drugs lose efficacy and potency due to chemical changes that take place. And it's not consumer friendly. However, there are a few liquid medications that are less stable if refrigerated and they should clearly say so on the package. Ill do my best to clarify some of your questions. Required fields are marked *. Once opened, it is best to honor the labeled expiration date. Turns out that my veterinary hospital employer follows the pharmacy rules. Amoxicillin is a highly effective antibiotic, but it will not work as well after its expiration date if you have already taken it. A large and important part of the immune system is located in the gut. They may diagnose a bacterial infection, and if so, amoxicillin might be used. Amoxicillin is an antibiotic widely used in human medicine. Cat sized doses can be bought at pet supply stores. We brought him the blood work-up results for a dental cleaning last year from another vet. Giving this single dose would be more likely to cause GI upset, have minimal effect on a UTI, and promote bacterial resistance to amoxicillin. Even if your kitty did have a UTI, the amoxicillin you have would not be appropriate to give. Animal adoption advocate. Anyhow, online says Cats: The recommended dosage is 50 mg (510 mg/lb) once a day. 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. We have seen that several antibiotics for humans that are commonly used in cats and dogs, one of the most commonly used is amoxicillin. For two reasons, the former employee explained: 1. -Has large urinary output + sometimes has a hard time holding it in (had a few accidents) padding: 10px; That's wasteful! } Liquid These 7 Signs Will Help You Find Out, Eyelid Agenesis In Cats: Causes, Symptoms, & Treatment. The best I could suggest generally for something like that is to use very dilute chlorhexidine as a soak for 5-10 minutes at least twice a day. Fish Mox For Cats Many medications can cause significant negative health effects if very high doses inappropriate for the patient are ingested. Amoxicillin How much Amoxicillin is Generally, an antibiotic injection is fast acting, which means it might help your pet feel better soon after she receives the shot. Cats can be given amoxicillin. Amoxicillin with clavulanic acid is common in these circumstances. Only give the safe and ideal dose by weight or as prescribed by your veterinarian. As a bactericidal antibiotic, it has the ability to kill certain strains of bacteria causing infections. So your vet will be careful about the dose they give you for your cat. In the case of pregnant or lactating cats, the veterinarian will have to assess administration based on risks versus benefits. PetMD They will also listen to their chest for signs of pneumonia. Tetracycline for cats is a multipurpose antibiotic typically available as a capsule or tablet. If there is no signs of improvement (after two full days) take your cat to the vet on day 3. The expiration date is always one year out unless the manufacturer's expiration date precedes it. This being the law and all that. Please rush him to vet or hospital, as uric acid crystals block the urethra (which will kill your cat within a few days). .medication-table{ 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. A large and important part of the immune system is located in the gut. Shes been urinating in the shower and has a little blood during urination. Many respiratory illnesses are caused by viral infections which cannot be treated by amoxicillin, although it may be prescribed to treat secondary bacterial infections. 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. Here an important thing to be noted is that there are many varieties of antibiotics Amoxicillin available, so your veterinarian can better decide which one will be safe for your kitty. If the cat is getting well, continue for at least 5 days more. Our veterinarian will decide on the most suitable administration method and an injectable form is also available. 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. The American Veterinary Medical Association mandates that veterinary drug expiration dates be provided on all dispensed medications when appropriate. All she does is sleep. Can Does amoxicillin expire? Are they safe 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. While some respiratory infections are caused by viruses, many are at least compounded by bacterial infections. Amoxicillin is one of the oldest, tried and true antibiotics we have and although newer antibiotic classes have been developed, amoxicillin still has valuable clinical uses. Regular use of probiotics for cats can prevent digestive issues and ease symptoms like vomiting, stomach irritation, constipation, and diarrhea. 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. .medication-table .table-row .item{ However, if there is no color or odor change and it is a few days beyond that date it is probably okay. The side effects of amoxicillin are usually mild and infrequent, involving gastrointestinal upset like vomiting and diarrhea. Potential Side Effects Liver and kidney damage may occur. : Cats that suffer from a serious condition will have weaker immune systems and will therefore be more likely to contract bacterial and other infections. These can occur as upper respiratory infections, urinary tract infections, and even skin infections. We just got our cat,Willy, back from the vet for a dental cleaning. It makes it even more potent and long-lasting. Make sure to keep all the medicine away from the children and your pet reach. Reading this article until the end will solve all your queries about using this antibiotic drug for your kitty. WebHowever, a lot of cats may be allergic to penicillin and can develop side effects: Chronic diarrhea. } 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 I always save the last couple doses whenever I am prescribed them. 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. 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). As such, amoxicillin is readily prescribed for some very common maladies. Its a good habit to check veterinary drug expiration dates periodically and dispose medications past their prime often, so that they are no longer a temptation or potential accidental exposure risk. The reason is that it will lose its potency over time, and it may even cause your symptoms to worsen. Inappropriateness Even a medication that was once prescribed to an individual pet may no longer be appropriate. The best and ideal way to give Amoxicillin to Cats is to follow your vets guidelines and prescription. Lynnwood, WA 98037, Email Do you Know? So why then does the FDA feel justified in placing limits where they previously did not exist? How much Amoxicillin is 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. This being the law and all that. Amoxicillin as an antibiotic comes in several different forms and dosages. Irreverent Vet Speaks Out How (However, the cholesterol was 427, but that vet didnt have us 12 hour fast Willy. Amoxicillin For Cats Overview If not 50mg available, open the 250 mg capsule and divide it into fifths. Amoxicillin dosage of 5-10mg per pound. The blood work-up was normal. : margin-bottom: 20px; FridaySunday: 7 a.m.6 p.m. Always consult your veterinarian and if needed they will prescribe a special formulation designed for your cat, with the appropriate dosage and concentration of Amoxicillin suited for your cats weight, age and sex. One of the most obvious positive sides to these antibiotics is how fast they enter your cats system. Alexander Fleming developed the first antibiotic in 1928. Amoxicillin can be given 5 to 10mg per pound of cat. Also, side effects will occur in any cat if too much has been ingested. Good is That 'Expired' Drug in Your Pet If no date can be found, it is safest to consider a medication expired six months after being dispensed. Ironically, a fungal or yeast infection may develop. Pic of the day: "Messed up" by maggiejumps. Most veterinarians treat for at least seven to ten days. Add them to the Cats Food: The Fish-Mox capsules are 250 mg. amoxicillin, recommended dosage one capsule twice per day, in food. If your cat is sick or not acting like herself, a trip to your family veterinarian is recommended. There is also tetracycline ointment for cats. What to Do if My Dog has Something Stuck in his Throat? Knowing about the safe Amoxicillin dosage for cats is essential for every pet owner. 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. Antibiotics are slowly losing their effectiveness, this is called antibiotic resistance. Fresh Breath. } Your local environmental authorities, department of public health, or DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration) can also be helpful in determining the best way to dispose of expired medications. I feed ten feral cats friskies canned cat food. margin: 0 auto; Some veterinarians may make this a longer interval, and others may even make lab work optional. 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. Irreverent Vet Speaks Out How Nonprofit vets can be found. Be sure to use and care for your pets medication responsibly, and when in doubt, throw it out! If used to treat other bacterial infections it will have no effect at all. Liquid amoxicillin needs to be kept in the refrigerator except when you are giving it to your cat. Human amoxicillin dosages are typically inappropriate to use in cats as they are much too high and more likely to lead to unwanted side effects. If we do see any adverse side effects from amoxicillin for cats, we need to inform the vet. After all, the drug manufacturers are required to test the safety and efficacy of their drugs under warm, humid environments (read: bathroom) for years beyond their manufacturing date. Antibiotics for Cats The bacteria typically found in your cat's airways is often sensitive to amoxicillin, making it a great choice for your kitty's illness. 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. They can come as tablets, in liquid form, drops, cream or an injection. But this is They may have you get it filled at a human pharmacy like Walgreens. 500mg demands a immediate hospital visit for stomach pump and carbon. Since every cat is an individual, each cat will respond differently to amoxicillin. It is more resistant to stomach acids, which would readily degrade penicillin. Doing your part to observe and honor them helps us know that your pet is treated according to the highest standards of veterinary medicine, and we are proud to help achieve that. How much amoxicillin can I give my cat? If there are still problems on day 10, take your cat to the vet. Not active at all. For others, though, dates on food and other items are viewed as merely a suggestion. The Pros of Antibiotic Injections for Cats. Again, this will depend on the above factors, but it needs to be taken with food to avoid digestive problems. - 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. Since every cat is an individual, each cat will respond differently to amoxicillin. Im confused and worried. Injectable medications are generally considered less stable and often have shorter shelf lives than oral pill or capsule medication. You might be wondering about the amoxicillin dosage for cats. Overdosing is toxic however. There are specific times with the medication might be most useful. Self-educated pet care nerd. Phone: (704)3344684 Amoxicillin is a broad spectrum antibiotic, For some medications, I would feel comfortable using on my own pets if they were expired by 1 to 2 years. This being the law and all that. As happens with all of us, veterinarians cant always say what they really think without offending some clients. If no date can be found, it is safest to consider a medication expired six months after being dispensed. So what do I recommend YOU to do? Loves a good book (about animals) and playing the piano. While there are many medicines suitable for human use which are unsuitable for cats, amoxicillin is not one of them. Uncommonly, nail trauma can lead to infection of the tissues of the toe. If only a month and year are listed, the medication is expired on the last day of the listed month. Amoxicillin is a well-known veterinary medicine, and veterinarians often prescribe it off the label to address bacterial infection in cats. Incomplete antibiotic courses, even if not expired, can result in lack of treatment, subjecting the pet to relapse or even antibiotic resistance. Antibiotics can be used to treat many fungal and bacterial infections, both in humans and in cats. While you can safely store the medication after its expiration date, it is not recommended. Often referred to as a UTI, they can occur in female and male cats. If youre considering adopting a new kitty, please check out some of our breeder pages here. Epi-pens (epinephrine injections for anaphylaxis), for example. Changes in health status, other concurrent conditions, and the addition of new medications or supplements could make an old prescription inappropriate. .medication-table h2{ 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. Dont make your cat suffer any longer! Developed for humans to take, antibiotics are used in most species of animals. It is given at a frequency of two times per day. Antibiotics are fairly common in the average household, so it may be the case that you have some Amoxicillin available. 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. } PetMD It is always best to seek our help before starting your pet on any medication. These are also often treatable with amoxicillin. If side effects like these continue, its important to ask your vet for further advice. For more information, or to ask about an expired veterinary medication, please call us. The answer is: No, not without the express consent and direction of your veterinarian. Any kind of out of pocket medical care is going to be expensive and helps to have some funds set aside for emergencies. Yes, in an ideal and safe dose Amoxicillin is safe for your cat. Because Amoxicillin is only effective for very specific strains of bacteria only a veterinarian would know which antibiotic to prescribe for your cat for its specific affliction. Gallon of milk that expired yesterday? 6 Pet Medication Storage Tips to Avoid Danger, Off Label Use of Drugs in Veterinary Medicine, Holistic Medicine and How it Can Help Your Pet, Don't Make These Dangerous Mistakes With Your Pet's Medicine. 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. Currently parent of three adopted cats and one small mutt. Tetracycline for cats is a multipurpose antibiotic typically available as a capsule or tablet.