can i give my cat expired amoxicillin can i give my cat expired amoxicillin

There is also tetracycline ointment for cats. If used to treat other bacterial infections it will have no effect at all. We have seen that several antibiotics for humans that are commonly used in cats and dogs, one of the most commonly used is amoxicillin. I am a retired nurse and know that human designed antibiotics can be given to cats in very small doses. WebHowever, a lot of cats may be allergic to penicillin and can develop side effects: Chronic diarrhea. If not 50mg available, open the 250 mg capsule and divide it into fifths. The side effects of vet-prescribed Amoxicillin for cats can be: shortness of breath, rash, vomiting, nausea, and abdominal pain. 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. 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. Janay, you should only administer amoxicillin under the supervision of a veterinarian. Potent Immunity. Liquid and other mixed prescriptions should be discarded after two weeks. How much Amoxicillin is Amoxicillin comes in a liquid suspension, tablet, and capsule forms. } But this isnt the main point of my question). 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. -Licks his private area a lot For this reason, it is not possible to give a dosage for amoxicillin for cats as it will depend on each individual clinical case. I recommend that you follow your veterinarian's instructions. In any case, when no improvement is seen after the first few days of treatment, the veterinarian needs to be informed. Or can I do 85 mg 170 mg x probably 7 days (since he is a male)? We have seen that several antibiotics for humans that are commonly used in cats and dogs, one of the most commonly used is amoxicillin. Make sure to wash your hands before and after giving the medication. This will lead to skin rashes (not to be confused with problems like scabies in cats), fever and, in severe cases, anaphylactic shock. Amoxicillin may be used for infections of the respiratory tract, urinary tract and bladder, some gastrointestinal infections, and infections of the skin and soft tissues. .table-footer{ Amoxicillin typically comes in both a liquid form as an oral suspension as well as tablet form. } All she does is sleep. No blood work-up, and going on a previous years blood work-up from the other vet and administering the anesthesia for the dental cleaning? But blood tests only reveal evidence of kidney failure in pets once 72% or more of the kidneys have been lost. 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. The reason is that it will lose its potency over time, and it may even cause your symptoms to worsen. How long? Expiration dates on veterinary drugs are important because, as time marches on, drugs lose efficacy and potency due to chemical changes that take place. If my pet was REALLY ill then I would NOT use any expired medication. This being the law and all that. box-sizing: border-box; Many medications can cause significant negative health effects if very high doses inappropriate for the patient are ingested. Our veterinarian will decide on the most suitable administration method and an injectable form is also available. Kittens can also have certain viral infections that are routinely tested for that can contribute to poor growth and health problems. -My mom said, she spotted him possibly dripping Yes, in an ideal and safe dose Amoxicillin is safe for your cat. flex-basis: 50%; For two reasons, the former employee explained: 1. These include vomiting, diarrhea, or just a softer stool. Expiration dates on drugs exist to help keep you and your pet healthier and happy. There are specific times with the medication might be most useful. These can occur as upper respiratory infections, urinary tract infections, and even skin infections. WebHowever, a lot of cats may be allergic to penicillin and can develop side effects: Chronic diarrhea. I dont know. 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 flex-direction: column; I have Amoxicillin. Amoxicillin For Cats Overview Before you just toss them in the trash, refer to the FDAs safe drug disposal information to be sure that you are doing things properly. It can decrease her willingness to use the litter box. Very effective on worms. Recently, they forwarded some emails they thought were suited to me, the Irreverent Veterinarian. The usual dose of amoxicillin in dogs and cats is 5-10 mg/lb every 12-24 hours. } Even if your kitty did have a UTI, the amoxicillin you have would not be appropriate to give. Interestingly, the labeled dosage for cats for amoxicillin calls for giving it just once a day. Turns out that my veterinary hospital employer follows the pharmacy rules. Fishy smelling, right? What to Do if My Dog has Something Stuck in his Throat? There is also tetracycline ointment for cats. The recommended dosage is 50 mg (510 mg/lb) once a day. Veterinarians can prescribe Amoxicillin for pet use. Amoxicillin-clavulanic acid may cause stomach upset, vomiting, and diarrhea. Amoxicillin is a broad-spectrum antibiotic. Antibiotic Amoxicillin is a broad spectrum antibiotic, Amoxicillin is a well-known veterinary medicine, and veterinarians often prescribe it off the label to address bacterial infection in cats. Tetracycline for cats is a multipurpose antibiotic typically available as a capsule or tablet. If stomach upset occurs, try giving the medication with food. Potent Immunity. It is also more effective than another medication relative, ampicillin. Have your cat diagnosed and have a veterinarian prescribe the correct form of treatment. If you miss a dose, give it to your cat unless it's almost time for the next dose. While human amoxicillin is actually the same medication, the dosage forms available for people may be problematic for use with cats. It is also one of the most commonly used antibiotics in the world. This medication is costly. We just got our cat,Willy, back from the vet for a dental cleaning. Some medications must be kept within a certain temperature range, while others might be light sensitive. Your email address will not be published. It tends to be an inexpensive option that is very safe and generally well tolerated. Scheduling an appointment with your vet would be the best thing to do here. But beyond that, I cannot assist with specific dosing for your cat beyond what is generally found in the article. These are more common in the upper airways. Get it on Chewy Clavamox (Amoxicillin + Clavulanic Acid). All antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections and amoxicillin is no exception. That's wasteful! Liquid and other mixed prescriptions should be discarded after two weeks. Google Neighborhood Cats and email or call them, tells them whats going on and they probably can direct you to resources that can help. But this is not a medication that will last long. } Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections. We invite you to take your pet to the veterinarian if they are suffering from any condition or pain. Specifically, amoxicillin acts against certain Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. Answer: Only if Approved by Your Vet Amoxicillin specifically targets certain strains of bacteria and therefore is not prescribed for all kinds of infections. But Im also concerned that treating with an antibiotic alone could be missing something more important thats going on here. Potential Side Effects line-height: 50px; Giving amoxicillin to your kitty around the time of a meal can help to offset these possible effects. Form: 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. This is the safest way to use the expiration dates on the package. The lowest tablet dosage for people of 125mg will be much too high for most cats. 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. Fresh Breath. Dosage Chart by Weight, Dexamethasone Injection for Cats Dosage Chart & Uses, Safe Gabapentin For Cats Dosage Chart | Dose Calculator, Pyrantel Pamoate Dosage for cats Safe Dose Chart, Why Do Cats Tails Puff Up When Happy? Amoxicillin has a wide dosage range. If your vet mixes the liquid and says it expires in 7 or 14 days then Id honor that. Amoxicillin For Cats Usage, Dosages And Side Effects, Buprenex For Cats - Usage, Dosage and Side Effects, Melatonin for Cats Uses And Potential Side Effects, Are Laser Pointers Bad For Cats? With some liquid medications it can be obvious by a color change or change in consistency. padding: 5px 10px; There a lot of cat rescues. In these cases you will need to go to the veterinarian to stop the effects or even a veterinary hospital in case of emergency. Copyright 2022 by FelineLiving.net -Designed by Thrive Themes I always encourage folks to reach out to their own veterinarian if there are specific questions about the rationale for certain testing, treatments, or care. 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. This can delay appropriate treatment, allowing for a condition to worsen in the interim, potentially putting the pet at risk. 16429 7th Place West Urinary tract infections can plague some cats. Roy J., et al. There is also tetracycline ointment for cats. All drugs originating from. Add them to the Cats Food: The Fish-Mox capsules are 250 mg. amoxicillin, recommended dosage one capsule twice per day, in food. If so, your veterinarian may have prescribed antibiotics. They can also be seen on or in the stool. 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). Regular use of probiotics for cats can prevent digestive issues and ease symptoms like vomiting, stomach irritation, constipation, and diarrhea. You might need to repeat blood tests to check for this type of disease process. Turns out that my veterinary hospital employer follows the pharmacy rules. Most will have a longer shelf life if they are refrigerated. Not active at all. Generally, an antibiotic injection is fast acting, which means it might help your pet feel better soon after she receives the shot. While some medications may change color or texture, this does not always happen. Amoxicillin is a highly effective antibiotic, but it will not work as well after its expiration date if you have already taken it. The most common form given to cats is the liquid suspension or the tablets, both in specific veterinary preparations. Antibiotic use during and after dentals is hotly debated in our field. As such, never self-prescribe the medication to your cat, even if you are a medical doctor. Animal adoption advocate. But this is Since every cat is an individual, each cat will respond differently to amoxicillin. Please consult your pets veterinarian in matters regarding the care of your animals. The labelled dosage of Clavamox for UTI in cats is 62.5 mg per cat twice daily for 10-14 days. 500mg demands a immediate hospital visit for stomach pump and carbon. This has another medication added to the amoxicillin. 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. It's not exactly consumer friendly to arbitrarily set higher bars on some products especially when they are so transparently yielding bigger bottom lines for those who lobby in their favor. So why then does the FDA feel justified in placing limits where they previously did not exist? How much discomfort occurs during a regular dental cleaning when no tooth extraction has occurred is also debated. .medication-table .table-row .item{ In cats, amoxicillin treatments will usually last between five and seven days, although they can be more prolonged depending on the extent of the infection. They can come as tablets, in liquid form, drops, cream or an injection. In other words, if your kitty is doing well at a prescribed dose, an accidental extra dose or overdose would not cause these effects. Amoxicillin and Augmentin (Clavamox) are my 1st go to antibiotic. How much Amoxicillin is If you miss a dose, give it to your cat unless it's almost time for the next dose. OK, so I'll concede to the second point. Based on Willys last years blood work-up he didnt do a blood work up and administered the anesthesia and successfully cleaned his teeth. In how many forms Amoxicillinis available? That is the human form of amoxicillin with clavulanic acid. If your vet mixes the liquid and says it expires in 7 or 14 days then Id honor that. It is the same antibiotic, but in a completely different dosage and mixture and is specifically designed for our pet friends. The pain medication is Onsior. Antibiotics are slowly losing their effectiveness, this is called antibiotic resistance. The pills come in several different strengths: 100 milligrams, 250 milligrams, or 500 milligrams. Always, Disposing of drugs, particularly controlled substances, is not always straightforward. The antibiotics is Amoxicillin/Clavulanate. Typically, this date is clearly stamped or printed on the container provided by the manufacturer. Even a medication that was once prescribed to an individual pet may no longer be appropriate. Be sure to use and care for your pets medication responsibly, and when in doubt, throw it out! 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 for cats, also known as aminopenicillin, is a well-known antibiotic medication mainly used to treat bacterial infections such as urinary tract, respiratory tract, gastrointestinal infections, and skin issues, such as acute moist dermatitis and pyoderma in felines. Liquid and other mixed prescriptions should be discarded after two weeks. Here is some information about the expirations of some medications types: The expiration of a medication varies based on several factors including the type of medication and the manufacturer. It is not wise to rely on the drugs appearance to assess whether or not it is still good. The reason is that it will lose its potency over time, and it may even cause your symptoms to worsen. It ended up saving the lives of many soldiers in World War II after Fleming discovered that the mold killed certain bacterial cultures. I would say for a cat for amoxicillin dosing and especially for bigger cats, we likely need to be more accurate in dosing compared to your average 10lb cat where we should be dosing based on their weight. If no date can be found, it is safest to consider a medication expired six months after being dispensed. 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.animalhealthcopywriter.com. 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? WebSo, can I give my cat amoxicillin? Also, like I said, last years vet didnt have us do a 12 hr fast for Willys dental cleaning. However, if there is no color or odor change and it is a few days beyond that date it is probably okay. Administering Amoxicillin prescribed for human use to your cat may do serious harm. Antibiotics are powerful and we should never administer them to our cat without instruction from our veterinarian. Why Does My Cat Push Out His Penis and Lick It? 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 Im confused and worried. Like you, your cat might get a respiratory infection. As with any medication, there is a possibility of side effects. 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. } DONT skip doses or fail to use the entire course of antibiotics as prescribed to your cat. Nonprofit vets can be found. It is more resistant to stomach acids, which would readily degrade penicillin. This helps our pet parents know how to best use the medications we prescribe. While discontinuing an antibiotic may relieve the side effects, this will also leave the original bacterial infection untreated. Some veterinarians may make this a longer interval, and others may even make lab work optional. Share Improve this answer Follow answered Apr 22, 2017 at 17:55 Harry V. 5,989 2 16 35 The answer is: No, not without the express consent and direction of your veterinarian. Ill do my best to clarify some of your questions. She has also been grunting a lot. As a bactericidal antibiotic, amoxicillin has the ability to kill certain kinds of bacteria causing infections. Directions. Neurologic changes, like an inability to walk normally (termed ataxia) have been reported in dogs, as well as elevated heart rate and breathing changes. 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. Since every cat is an individual, each cat will respond differently to amoxicillin. The FDA has set the legal definition for expiration to be the time at which 10% of the active pharmaceutical ingredient has decomposed. If your pet is critically ill Id say no dont use ANY expired medications. You should always consult with the vet about the best antibiotic to be used and its potential side effects. All medications have an expiration date on their label. So your vet will be careful about the dose they give you for your cat. If there is no signs of improvement (after two full days) take your cat to the vet on day 3. For more information, or to ask about an expired veterinary medication, please, Is It an Emergency or Just Urgent? The same basic effects of the drug work on cats and can be used to treat a wide variety of ailments, which we detail below. Amoxicillin is a broad-spectrum antibiotic prescribed by veterinarians to treat various infections in dogs and cats. Medication Type: Before you just toss them in the trash, refer to the. -Indoor Cat lives with 2 other cats (amoxicillin?) So, your pets expired meds dont exactly turn into a pumpkin after they reach their expiration date, but there are some good reasons to dispose of them. The labelled dosage of Clavamox for UTI in cats is 62.5 mg per cat twice daily for 10-14 days. Therefore it should be left to a veterinarian to determine when and which antibiotic should be used. Get it on Chewy Clavamox (Amoxicillin + Clavulanic Acid). Potent Immunity. The most common potential side effects are gastrointestinal problems. The blood work-up was normal. Email: info@animalmedical.net. Hopefully, there may be a vet in your area that could help provide some more specific guidance. Amoxicillin can be given 5 to 10mg per pound of cat. to be sure that you are doing things properly. text-align: center; The more bacterial resistance increases as a society, the more powerful antibiotics need to be. What can I do to help her to gain weight an be a kitten? How does one properly dispose of expired veterinary pharmaceuticals? One argument is that during the process of cleaning, bacteria in the mouth may enter the bloodstream which leads to risk of endocardiosis on heart valves, and showering the kidneys and other vital organs with bacteria, so antibiotics should always be used regardless of dental disease severity. The concentration is much too high for cats unique livers to process and it could seriously harm your cat. Your Veterinarian can better decide about the safe dose of any medication, including Amoxicillin for cats, after observing your feline physically. Today it isn't used as commonly. Fleming discovered penicillin growing as a mold in Fleming's laboratory. Expiration dates on veterinary drugs are there for good reason: to keep your pet safe and to treat them in the most effective way possible. Amoxicillin with clavulanic acid is common in these circumstances. Most people have been on antibiotics at some point, as well. Each individual drug has its own unique shelf life determined by the manufacturer. DONT start using an antibiotic you happen to have left over from the last time. Expiration dates are only achieved when a medication is stored according to directions (look at temperature, light exposure, humidity, etc.). Amoxicillin tends to be more effective than penicillin because it lasts longer. The shelf life once reconstituted is real. margin: 0; Amoxicillin specifically targets certain strains of bacteria and therefore is not prescribed for all kinds of infections. 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. Your veterinarian might want to culture the abscess or wound. That is the safest way to ensure that the medication is stable. If only a month and year are listed, the medication is expired on the last day of the listed month. However, overdosing or giving it incorrectly is toxic for the felines. Overdose of amoxicillin can lead to poisoning which results in liver and kidney failure in cats. Therefore, probiotics for cats also help support healthier immunity. As odd as it might sound, human amoxicillin can be used for cats. For others, though, dates on food and other items are viewed as merely a suggestion. However, its really important to make sure it is only used when dispensed or prescribed by a veterinarian, and that all prescribing instructions are followed. Often extra-label higher doses are used by vets. For example, it is commonly prescribed for treatment of infected wounds and abscesses. However, there are a few liquid medications that are less stable if refrigerated and they should clearly say so on the package. The generic human liquid suspension could be used, however the volume of medication in some available preparations may be far more than what is needed for a cats typical dosage period, making them less practical. } This article is purely informative. If any drug is administered improperly, it can have adverse side effects, even antibiotics. Thank you. Cats are prone to contracting bacterial, fungal or viral diseases that left untreated can lead to significant health complications. 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. My cat has a swollen paw, maybe from insect bites or fighting. A typical example is rhinotracheitis in cats. If it was previously clear and it is now cloudy even if it has NOT expired Id question the stability of this medication. Use of this site is subject to our terms of use and privacy policy. 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. The goal is to add a balanced and alternative view of some controversial pet issues. You might be wondering if Fluffy can take amoxicillin, and, unless she's allergic, she can. Use of antibiotics and antiinflammatories for dental procedures may vary based on an individual veterinarians judgment in a particular case. If a medication is past the expiration date determined by the manufacturer, it is best not to use it. If you want to read similar articles to Can You Give Cats Amoxicillin? When give to a vulnerable kitten, the risk is even higher. Copyright 2023 Upgrade Your Cat | UpgradeYourCat.com | As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Effective Only for Specific Cases It was penicillin, which makes this an important medication. margin: 0 auto; Reasons to Honor Veterinary Drug Expiration Dates. However, if your furry friend is the type that will eat everything in the bowl but the tablet and leave it at the bottom, you may need to consider liquid if you are not adept at administering a pill directly into your cats mouth for her to swallow it. Albendazole for Cats - Uses, Dosage and Side Effects, Meloxicam for Cats - Uses, Dosage, and Side Effects, Famciclovir for Cats - Uses, Dosage and Side Effects, Omeprazole for Cats - Dosage, Uses and Side Effects, Procox for Cats - Dosage, Uses and Side Effects, Dexamethasone for Cats - Uses, Dosage and Side Effects, Ranitidine for Cats - Dosage, Uses and Side Effects, Ketoconazole for Cats - Uses, Dosage and Side Effects. Loves a good book (about animals) and playing the piano. We look at what cases the antibiotic may be administered by understanding the uses, dosage and side effects of the drug. 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. Many veterinarians consider having updated lab work within 30 days of an anesthetic event to be a standard of care. Yes and no. Also be aware that bacterial infections can also be symptomatic of other diseases. 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. 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. Image from Instagram:@petdiseasealerts It would be prudent not to give your dog any human amoxicillin.