Clavamox (amoxicillin trihydrate/clavulanate potassium)

What is Clavamox?

Clavamox (pronounced KLA-va-mox) is the name brand for a prescription only, highly effective pet antibiotic that is used to treat several different types of bacterial infections. The most common pets that recieve Clavamox are birds, dogs, ferrets and cats. This treatment is not good for rabbits, guinea pigs, or hamsters because this drug interferes with their digestive tract which triggers diarrhea severe enough that could lead to death. Clavamox is a combination of 2 main ingredients that work together (synergistically) to kill or prevent bacterial infections: Amoxicillin and Potassium clavulanate. Amoxicillin is the most common type of penicillin based, broad spectrum antibiotic. In this application it blocks the bacteria from developing a cell wall, a type of protective shield that grows around the bacteria which, in most cases, without the development of this protective wall, is lethal to the bacteria. Potassium clavulante works with the Amoxicillin by increasing its effectiveness against the more stubborn bacterial infections by blocking an enzyme (beta-lactamase) within the bacteria that attacks and deadens the effectiveness of the Amoxicillin. In itself, Clavulanate has no active ingredient but only works as a resistant inhibitor against the bacteria.

How to use Clavamox

As Clavamox is only available through Veterinary Prescription, the administration instructions must be followed closely to ensure the drugs effectiveness. As with all Amoxicillin based treatments, the medication needs to be administered as prescribed in order to prevent the infection from returning or becoming worse. Even though your pet may appear "better" after a few days, this does not mean the infection is gone but it does indicate the treatment is working. Clavamox comes in 2 forms, tablets and liquid. Dosages will be determined by the severity of the infection and the size and type of pet. Keep the following do's and don'ts in mind when administering treatment: • DO follow dosage instructions carefully. • DO ask your veterinarian to demonstrate how to administer the medication to your pet. • DO NOT pre-split tablets before scheduled administration - the exposure to air will cause deterioration. • DO shake the liquid form before treatment and stored in refrigerator until prescription dosages has been completed. Discard the remaining liquid after 10 days. • DO NOT miss a dose. If circumstances cause a missed treatment, skip the one missed and continue to follow the regular dosage schedule. Do not double dose. • DO call your veterinarian if you are having difficulty giving the medication. She can provide further suggestions to ease application anxiety for you and your pet. • DO NOT give this medication to any other pet other then the one it was prescribed for.

Clavamox warnings and precautions

Clavamox should not be administered by a pet owner who is allergic to penicillin’s or beta-lactam (enzyme bacterial attacking) antibiotics. Other precautions include a pre prescription discussion with your veterinarian if your pet is pregnant or is taking vitamins, nutritional supplements, blood thinners, or anti inflammatory prescriptions. These too may cause dangerous interactions.

What do I do if I have missed a Clavamox dose?

Key symptoms of a misdose or overdose is vomiting and constant diarrhea. Contact your veterinarian immeditaly if you suspect an overdose of Clavamox.

Clavamox interactions

Discuss with your veternairan the possible risks if your pet is currently taking vitatmins, bacteriostatic drugs, supplements or pets with known allergies to penicillin based antibiotics since consequential interactions may occur. Sypmtoms could include difficutly breathing, hives, swelling of the face, tounge or lips, body rash or fainting.

Clavamox side effects

As with any prescribed drug treatments there may be side effects ranging from the mild to severe. The more common side effects could include: disinterest in eating, diarrhea, vomiting and increased drooling. More severe reactions, though less common, is a yellowing of the eyes, skin or gums which may indicate liver disease. If any one of these symptoms occurs consult with veterinarian as soon as possible. Allergic reactions may also occur in your pet. These are indicated by possible swelling of the face, extreme diarrhea and vomiting, seizures, cold to the touch limbs and pale gums. Immediate contact with your veterinarian is important since these may be life threatening symptoms.