Medication still in powder form is probably still good for 1 to 2 years beyond the expiration on the label. Doing so frequently can make the medication ineffective. 1. Salivation in excess. Veterinarians can prescribe Amoxicillin for pet use. Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections. Before you just toss them in the trash, refer to the. The liquid is a 62.5 milligrams per milliliter suspension. It ended up saving the lives of many soldiers in World War II after Fleming discovered that the mold killed certain bacterial cultures. Thank god his appetite is very good and he eats everything so the infection is not affecting his eating. Make sure to talk to your veterinarian about any signs or problems you might be seeing. wants you to know why the dates on your pets medications matter. display: block; If no date can be found, it is safest to consider a medication expired six months after being dispensed. It is also more effective than another medication relative, ampicillin. 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. .medication-table .table-row .item{ It may be tempting just to toss them in this weeks garbage collection or flush them, but that often isnt the responsible choice because: Instead, you should take them to a facility with a drug take back program in the area or find a drug disposal facility. As odd as it might sound, human amoxicillin can be used for cats. But only your vet can properly diagnose an infection and its root cause and thereby prescribe the right kind of antibiotic and the right dose. One of the most obvious positive sides to these antibiotics is how fast they enter your cats system. You should inform your vet about any allergies your cat may have, especially if you know your cat to be allergic to any drugs. You might need to repeat blood tests to check for this type of disease process. 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. Self-educated pet care nerd. Doing so frequently can make the medication ineffective. All drugs originating from our pharmacy will have one displayed on the label. Click to attach a photo related to your comment, Can You Give Cats Amoxicillin? Your veterinarian may help prescribe the antibiotic dose for your kitty after observing physically. My cat has a swollen paw, maybe from insect bites or fighting. 16429 7th Place West Furthermore, Amoxicillin is only effective for specific bacteria. Required fields are marked *. Incorrectly giving any medicine to your pet will harm more than benefit. As mentioned before, amoxicillin isn't used in cases where viruses or fungal infections are suspected. But beyond that, I cannot assist with specific dosing for your cat beyond what is generally found in the article. The telltale sign is the exiting of white, slowly wriggling maggot looking reproductive segments from the anus, that are shed from the adult tapeworm that is attached to the stomach and small intestine lining. margin: 0!important; 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. They may need to suspend treatment or treat any secondary problems. Turns out that my veterinary hospital employer follows the pharmacy rules. } The expiration date is always one year out unless the manufacturer's expiration date precedes it. When give to a vulnerable kitten, the risk is even higher. If you have been a pet medication hoarder, you likely have a pile of stuff to trash at this point. If only a month and year are listed, the medication is expired on the last day of the listed month. For susceptible bacterial infections, you will typically see noticeable improvement within 2-3 days of use. Your furry friend might have pain when she urinates, causing discomfort. The tablets come in a variety of sizes: 62.5 milligrams, 125 milligrams, 250 milligrams, and 375 milligrams. I'd recalled they were even more restrictive than a year. The best thing is to have your kitty checked by a veterinarian as soon as possible. } If used to treat other bacterial infections it will have no effect at all. FridaySunday: 7 a.m.6 p.m. 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). Once a month I open two fish amoxcillin capsules and blend it in with their food. Make sure to give any medication to your kitty with vet advice only. If you miss a dose, give it to your cat unless it's almost time for the next dose. Are they good longer than this? If a medication is past the expiration date determined by the manufacturer, it is best not to use it. Your veterinarian can better decide the safe dose of Amoxicillin for your feline after observing the severity of the illness and your cat physically. However, it is possible some digestive disturbances might arise such as diarrhea and vomiting or even appetite loss. } Amoxicillin administered to humans is very different from the veterinary formulation.This variation arises from the chemical components used in making human-grade amoxicillin that can be toxic to canines.These chemicals include How much amoxicillin can I give my cat? Liver and kidney damage may occur. Your veterinarian may fall in the first camp or otherwise may have felt that the amount of tartar present warranted sending antibiotics home. As a bactericidal antibiotic, amoxicillin works to kill bacteria associated with upper respiratory infections, urinary tract infections, and more. Regular use of probiotics for cats can prevent digestive issues and ease symptoms like vomiting, stomach irritation, constipation, and diarrhea. This article has been fact checked and verified by our veterinary adviser.. Inappropriateness Even a medication that was once prescribed to an individual pet may no longer be appropriate. Antibiotics are fairly common in the average household, so it may be the case that you have some Amoxicillin available. Amoxicillin is a broad spectrum antibiotic, to be sure that you are doing things properly. display: flex; And always remember that even if your kitty appears to be feeling better, to always finish out a prescribed course of antibiotics, as this helps to reduce the risk for development of bacterial resistance to antibiotics. 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. Turns out I was right. Yes, in an ideal and safe dose Amoxicillin is safe for your cat. Why Does My Cat Push Out His Penis and Lick It? If you miss a dose, give it to your cat unless it's almost time for the next dose. While there are many medicines suitable for human use which are unsuitable for cats, amoxicillin is not one of them. Shes been urinating in the shower and has a little blood during urination. Animal Medical Hospital, Animal Medical Hospital and 24 Hour Urgent Care. As you alluded to, this is primarily to reduce the risk of regurgitation or aspiration during a procedure, since the pet cannot swallow on their own. Some last a very long time, up to several years. Therefore, probiotics for cats also help support healthier immunity. Throwing up. Turns out that my veterinary hospital employer follows the pharmacy rules. The answer is: No, not without the express consent and direction of your veterinarian. These are usually bacterial infections within the bladder or kidneys. Contact your veterinarian immediately if your pet develops severe or bloody diarrhea. Dr. Vanderhoof is also a copywriter specializing in the animal health field and founder of Paramount Animal Health Writing Solutions, which can be found at www.animalhealthco on Amoxicillin For Cats: Dosage, Safety & Side Effects, I am completely satisfied, I found useful information and tips in this article, Article was somewhat helpful, but could be improved. 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 Amoxicillin typically comes in both a liquid form as an oral suspension as well as tablet form. Antibiotics are slowly losing their effectiveness, this is called antibiotic resistance. However, this dosage is generally no longer considered in veterinary medicine to be effective for most infections. Loves a good book (about animals) and playing the piano. Can I Give My Cat Amoxicillin? The answer is: No, not without the express consent and direction of your veterinarian. It does so by blocking bacteria's protein-creating process, a process on which the bacteria depend for survival. Thank you. Cats that suffer from a serious condition will have weaker immune systems and will therefore be more likely to contract bacterial and other infections. Giving an antibiotic willy nilly or stopping short of the whole course can prove far worse than not using antibiotics at all. For more information, or to ask about an expired veterinary medication, please call us. Cat sized doses can be bought at pet supply stores. Phone: (704)3344684 However, if there is no color or odor change and it is a few days beyond that date it is probably okay. If a medication is past the expiration date determined by the manufacturer, it is best not to use it. Most vets call for a dose every 8-12 hours. In any case, when no improvement is seen after the first few days of treatment, the veterinarian needs to be informed. AnimalWised does not have the authority to prescribe any veterinary treatment or create a diagnosis. No matter whether it is given orally or topically, tetracycline destroys bacterial infections. Knowing about the safe Amoxicillin dosage for cats is essential for every pet owner. This can be dangerous if there are other factors, such as different medications or supplements being used, that make administration inappropriate. Copyright 2023 Upgrade Your Cat | UpgradeYourCat.com | As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Amoxicillin is a common antibiotic prescribed for both cats and dogs to address a variety of bacterial infections. The antibiotics is Amoxicillin/Clavulanate. In your experience, does this seem unnecessary and far afield? Cats can be given amoxicillin. MondayThursday: 7 a.m.8 p.m. Outdoor feline explorers are often more prone to catching illnesses as they may rummage through trash and dirt. It is an antibiotic prescribed for human use to treat urinary tract infections, pneumonia and bronchitis, skin infections, and infections of ear, nose, and throat. 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. We have seen that several antibiotics for humans that are commonly used in cats and dogs, one of the most commonly used is amoxicillin. The expiration date is always one year out unless the manufacturer's expiration date precedes it. For others, though, dates on food and other items are viewed as merely a suggestion. It can also be helpful to discuss diet and nutrition as well. Your veterinarian will often collect a sample of her urine. Effective Only for Specific Cases Not worth it. Then, put one-fifth in the cats food. Common Names: Email: [email protected]. These medications are called aminopenicillins and prevent the bacteria from making or keeping their cell wall intact. Incomplete antibiotic courses, even if not expired, can result in lack of treatment, subjecting the pet to relapse or even antibiotic resistance. As with any medication, there is a possibility of side effects. 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. Or can I do 85 mg 170 mg x probably 7 days (since he is a male)? : You can give your cat Fish Mox (50mg 2-3 times per day). There are a wide variety of antibiotics that might be used, and one of the most common is amoxicillin. But blood tests only reveal evidence of kidney failure in pets once 72% or more of the kidneys have been lost. There a lot of cat rescues. Independence America Holdings Corp. All Rights Reserved. Every feline medication needs proper administration. (amoxicillin?) The Pros of Antibiotic Injections for Cats. Ineffectiveness Using a medication that is not as potent as intended could result in the medication being ineffective. 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. 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. Symptoms usually end when administration does. Injectable medications are generally considered less stable and often have shorter shelf lives than oral pill or capsule medication. 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. How long? Specifically, amoxicillin acts against certain Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. One of the most obvious positive sides to these antibiotics is how fast they enter your cats system. That yogurt in the back of the fridge probably has at least a week or two past the stamped date, right? 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. It is given at a frequency of two times per day. The side effects of vet-prescribed Amoxicillin for cats can be: shortness of breath, rash, vomiting, nausea, and abdominal pain. If no date can be found, it is safest to consider a medication expired six months after being dispensed. Keep in mind that nail injuries can take a few weeks to fully heal as the newer nail grows out. But then, there are plenty of times I'll ask an owner to stop a med and start it again. - Uses, Dosage and Side Effects, we recommend you visit our Medicine category. Generally, an antibiotic injection is fast acting, which means it might help your pet feel better soon after she receives the shot. But blood tests only reveal evidence of kidney failure in pets once 72% or more of the kidneys have been lost. If only a month and year are listed, the medication is expired on the last day of the listed month. Essentially the same antibiotics are effective in cats and in humans, however always in different concentrations and dosages. Yes, in an ideal and safe dose Amoxicillin is safe for your cat. If not 50mg available, open the 250 mg capsule and divide it into fifths. Each individual drug has its own unique shelf life determined by the manufacturer. Regular use of probiotics for cats can prevent digestive issues and ease symptoms like vomiting, stomach irritation, constipation, and diarrhea. 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 Amoxicillin should only be used to treat bacterial infections and not viral or parasitic infections. If there is any swelling, pain or discharge at that digit, veterinary care would be needed for sure. 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. Why? As a bactericidal antibiotic, amoxicillin has the ability to kill certain kinds of bacteria causing infections. Follow the recommendations on the bottle for best results regarding the shelf life. It is more resistant to stomach acids, which would readily degrade penicillin. Amoxicillin is effective against members of both of these categories. Uncommonly, nail trauma can lead to infection of the tissues of the toe. Yes, in an ideal and safe dose Amoxicillin is safe for your cat. And an employee who'd worked at yet another hospital reported the same about her previous employer's policy. Most people have been on antibiotics at some point, as well. That is the safest way to ensure that the medication is stable. Urinary tract infections can plague some cats. 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 concentration is much too high for cats unique livers to process and it could seriously harm your cat. So your vet will be careful about the dose they give you for your cat.