Amoxicillin Oral Suspension
Generic Name
Amoxicillin
Indications/Uses
Amoxicillin Oral Suspension is used against drug-resistant bacteria and is meant for effectively treating respiratory tract infections, wounds, skin infections, tooth abscesses, genitourinary tract and urinary bladder infections among others. Amoxicillin oral suspension is semisynthetic penicillin based antibiotic, with broad spectrum bactericidal activity against various strains of bacteria such as H. influenzae, N. gonorrhoea, E. coli, Pneumococci, Streptococci etc. It is not effective for viral or parasitic infections.Amoxicillin oral suspension is a popular medication for dogs and cats as it could be administered easily and ensures easy absorption. Trihydrate is the main active ingredient in Amoxicillin Oral Suspension.
Precautions
Amoxicillin Oral Suspension should be used only for proven bacterial infections. Animals that are allergic to penicillin should not be given this medication. Extreme caution is required while using this medication in dehydrated animals or those with kidney or heart disorders. Though it can cross over placenta of pregnant animals to the offspring, it is considered relatively safe to use during pregnancy. Amoxicillin Oral Suspension can react with medications such as allopurinol and erythromycin, so it is advisable to discuss the medication history of the pets with the vet before starting the treatment.
Side Effects
Common side effects when using amoxicillin include loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea. Allergic reactions are characterized by symptoms like rashes, fever, swelling of face or limbs, difficulty breathing, rapid heart beat and loss of coordination, which require urgent medical aid. A drug overdose might result in vomiting and diarrhea, where the veterinarian should be contacted urgently.
Dosage Information
The recommended dose of amoxicillin oral suspension in dogs and cats is 5-10mg/pound every 12-24 hours. Amoxicillin can be given without any food restrictions as it is stable in gastric conditions. Unused medication should not be used after 14 days.
Brand Names
Amoxil (GlaxoSmithKline), Biomox (Delmarva), Robamox-BV (Fort Dodge), Trimox (Apothecon)