Amoxicillin for cats: how to use correctly

Amoxicillin is a popular antibiotic that is useful in treating a variety of bacterial infections in cats. To guarantee your feline friend receives the best care possible, you must know how to use it properly.

Amoxicillin administration can be simple, but it’s crucial to pay close attention to your veterinarian’s instructions. Depending on your cat’s condition, the dosage and length of treatment may change, so you should always see a doctor before making any medication changes.

It’s critical to identify the symptoms of infection in your cat. It is possible to experience fever, lethargy, or strange behavior. Seeing a veterinarian is the first step in receiving the right care if you think your cat is ill.

Amoxicillin: composition, release form and storage conditions

Spain is the country that produces cat amoxicillin. It is a semi-synthetic antibiotic that is a member of the beta-lactam penicillin class of antibiotics. Amoxicillin trihydrate serves as this medication’s active ingredient. There are 3 ways to get the medication:

Liquid for injection, viscous oily suspension of white color. It is packaged in vials made of dark glass or plastic. They are sold in 10, 100, 250 ml. For cats, it is more convenient to use 10 ml bottles.

For animals, amoxicillin suspension is the most widely used dosage form.

Table: composition of the drug by release forms

Amoxicillin has a three-year shelf life from the date of manufacture. There shouldn’t be any food or cat food close by; the medication is kept in a location shielded from light. The recommended temperature range for the medicine’s room is 5 to 25 o C. The medication is good for 28 days after the suspension-containing bottle is opened.

Not only is amoxicillin made for cats, but it is also made for humans. Animals shouldn’t be administered the "human" medication. Since the active component is present in much higher concentration, figuring out how much is needed will be challenging. A veterinarian should determine the medication dosage if such a situation does occur.

When to use Amoxicillin

Conditions for which Amoxicillin for cats is prescribed:

• problems associated with disorders in the gastrointestinal tract:

• enterocolitis;
• gastroenteritis;
• enteritis;

• bronchitis;
• bronchopneumonia;

• pyelonephritis;
• urethritis;
• cystitis;
• endometritis;
• metritis;

One of the reasons Amoxicillin is prescribed for cats is mastitis, which is an acute inflammatory disease of the mammary gland.

This medication is also used as a preventative measure following surgery to lessen the likelihood that an inflammatory process will occur.

How the drug works

Amoxicillin trihydrate, the drug’s primary ingredient, has a strong bactericidal effect. It works by preventing the synthesis of a material called a mucopeptide, which is present in the cell walls of microorganisms. The enzymatic reactions in bacterial cells are counteracted by amoxicillin, which impairs the nutrition and metabolic functions of the cells. The cells perish.

The medication’s effectiveness is particularly noticeable in the battle against harmful microorganisms:

streptococci are gram-positive microorganisms that cause a group of infectious diseases that mainly affect the skin, respiratory and genitourinary systems;

A spherical or egg-shaped bacteria called streptococcus parasitizes both human and animal bodies.

Gram-negative rod-shaped bacteria called Escherichia coli are commonly found in warm-blooded animals’ lower intestines.

Amoxicillin enters the bloodstream and travels throughout the body, entering the muscles, gastrointestinal tract, liver, and kidneys. One to two hours after the drug is administered, the body reaches its maximum concentration of the medication. This medication takes at least 48 hours to start working. The cat’s body eliminates the drug through its urine.

Features of use

The most common injection technique used when treating cats is a suspension. It costs between 200 and 280 rubles on average. (10 milliliters).

Tablets

The veterinarian examines the animal and determines the precise dosage of tablets. 12.5 mg per kilogram of the animal’s weight is the standard dosage:

• for cats weighing at least 2.5 kg, it is supposed to give 1/4 of the tablet;
• if the animal weighs from 3 to 5 kg – 1/2 of the tablet;
• from 5 to 7.5 kg – 3/4 of the part;
• from 8 to 10 kg – a whole tablet.

For five to seven days, the cat receives pills once a day either during or after meals. It is preferable to give them as a suspension after dissolving them in 20 milliliters of water. The medication is administered via mouth injection to the animal using a needle-free syringe. The tablet can be broken up and mixed into the cat’s food. Ten tablets are available for 180 r.

The cat receives the food either during or after it is eaten.

Video: how to give a cat pill

Injection suspensions

Injectable suspension is injected intramuscularly or subcutaneously. One milliliter of the medication is administered for every ten kilograms of the cat’s weight. Before using, give the bottle a vigorous shake to create a uniform suspension, and then gently massage the area where the injection will be made. To help the medication spread throughout the body more quickly and begin to work, this area is gently massaged once more at the conclusion of the procedure. Amoxicillin suspension has a long-term effect, so there should be a minimum of two days between injections.

Video: how to give a cat an injection at home

Powder

The medication is taken orally in powder form. It is diluted with 20–50 milliliters of water. Cats are administered the medication at a rate of 0.5–1.0 g of powder with a 10% concentration per 5 kg of body weight. Once a day, either during or after meals, it is used. The course of treatment lasts for five to seven days. Using a measuring spoon to dose the powder is preferable.

Powder costs 500 rubles per kilogram.

Video: how to give a cat liquid medicine

Features of use in pregnant cats and kittens

In situations where the cat is pregnant, medical professionals may give her Amoxicillin at the expense of potential fetal development risks related to the antibiotic’s use. This is only going to happen if they have good cause to fear for an adult animal’s life and well-being. The veterinarian will always try to avoid giving an antibiotic when it is possible, even though amoxicillin is safe among medications with comparable effects.

Only in cases where a pregnant cat’s life and health are seriously in jeopardy can doctors prescribe amoxicillin.

Kittens are typically given injections of amoxicillin by their doctors. The veterinarian determines the appropriate dosage and course of treatment based on the unique circumstances of each four-legged patient.

The medication should not be given to a nursing cat since it can enter breast milk.

Interaction with other drugs

It is not possible to use amoxicillin for cats in conjunction with:

• thiamphenicol;
• chloramphenicol;

It is not advisable to take amoxicillin with other antibiotics.

Possible side effects and contraindications

Adhering closely to a veterinarian’s instructions and suggestions when using Amoxicillin prevents side effects. However, cats who have a specific penicillin intolerance should not use it. There could be an allergic reaction. The drug’s treatment is discontinued in this case. It is not recommended to use this medication to treat:

• renal failure;
• serious kidney dysfunction.

The injection site may swell; this will go away on its own in one to two days. Amoxicillin use may lower immunity and increase the risk of dysbacteriosis. In this instance, the animal is prescribed immunomodulators, vitamin complexes, and products containing lactobacilli and bifidobacteria, which help to replenish the gut’s microflora.

When using this antibiotic, the following side effects could occur:

• tachycardia;
• diarrhea;
• vomiting;
• impaired coordination of movements in the cat.

Amoxicillin use in cats may result in adverse effects.

They happen when a drug overdose occurs. Physicians stop prescribing amoxicillin and instead recommend symptomatic treatment when the aforementioned symptoms manifest.

Precautions

Adherence to precautions is necessary when using the medication:

• Before using the drug, you should carefully familiarize yourself with the instructions in order to be sure of the right choice of medicine.
• The dose of the drug in tablets is difficult to correctly determine at home, an overdose and side effects is possible. Therefore, amoxicillin tablets for cats are used as intended for a veterinarian.
• It is forbidden to mix this medicine with any other in one syringe.
• When using amoxicillin, it cannot be introduced intravenously.
• Long-term use of the drug without consulting a veterinarian can lead to the development of a fungus in the animal"s mouth, to diseases of the genitals.

Analogues of the drug according to indications for use

Certain medications bear resemblance to Amoxicillin based on their intended use:

• Amoxil in tablet form. It is well absorbed by the body, the antibacterial effect occurs 3 hours after use.
• Amoxisan in the form of a suspension, treats bacterial infectious diseases.
• Bactoclav. This is an antibiotic with a broad spectrum of action.

Table: drugs replacing Amoxicillin

Name	Composition	Contraindications	Price in rubles
Amoxil	Active component – amoxicillin trihydrate. Excipients:

• calcium stearate;
• sodium starch glycolate.

• hypersensitivity to the components of the drug and other β-lactam antibiotics;
• lymphocytic leukemia, infectious mononucleosis;
• lactation period.

• propylparaben;
• methylparaben;
• aerosil;
• sorbitan monoleate;
• medium chain triglycerides.

• individual intolerance to the components of the drug;
• kidney and liver diseases;
• neonatal period.

• amoxicillin trihydrate;
• potassium clavulanate.

• dimethicone;
• cellulose powder;
• magnesium stearate.

• severe renal failure;
• liver dysfunction due to antibiotic use;
• infectious mononucleosis;
• allergy to penicillins.

Photo gallery: Amoxicillin analogues

When treating bacterial infectious diseases, amoxisan works well. Organ and system infections brought on by drug-sensitive microorganisms are treated with amoxil. A medication called bakeclav is used to stop inflammatory processes brought on by bacteria that are resistant to cephalosporins and penicillins.

Dosage	Follow your vet"s advice for the right amount based on your cat"s weight.
Administration	Give it with food to prevent stomach upset.
Duration	Complete the full course even if your cat seems better.
Side Effects	Watch for signs like diarrhea or vomiting; contact your vet if they occur.
Storage	Keep it in a cool, dry place, away from light.

When used appropriately, amoxicillin can be a useful treatment for a variety of bacterial infections in cats. Before beginning any medication regimen, always get advice from a veterinarian. Based on the unique requirements and medical conditions of your cat, they will decide on the appropriate dosage and duration.

While your cat is taking amoxicillin, you must keep an eye on them. Keep an eye out for any adverse effects, such as allergic reactions or upset stomach. For advice, get in touch with your veterinarian right away if you notice anything strange.

In conclusion, the proper use of amoxicillin can aid in your cat’s recovery from infections. Maintaining your pet’s health and happiness is best achieved by adhering to your veterinarian’s advice.

Knowing how to use amoxicillin correctly is essential for treating infections in cats and ensuring their safety and recovery. To enable cat owners to give this antibiotic to their furry friends in an efficient and responsible manner, this article will discuss the right dosages, possible side effects, and crucial factors to take into account.

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