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

font-size: 14px; Antibiotics are slowly losing their effectiveness, this is called antibiotic resistance. } They may need to suspend treatment or treat any secondary problems. -Indoor Cat lives with 2 other cats Giving amoxicillin to your kitty around the time of a meal can help to offset these possible effects. This being the law and all that. The ideal way to give the oral suspension amoxicillin is to provide it by the syringe in the mouth. For two reasons, the former employee explained: 1. It has been opined that a significant percentage of humanity are infected, without overt signs or symptoms. DONT skip doses or fail to use the entire course of antibiotics as prescribed to your cat. The Pros of Antibiotic Injections for Cats. However, overdosing or giving it incorrectly is toxic for the felines. Can I Give My Cat Amoxicillin? Each individual drug has its own unique shelf life determined by the manufacturer. As mentioned before, amoxicillin isn't used in cases where viruses or fungal infections are suspected. A large and important part of the immune system is located in the gut. All drugs originating from our pharmacy will have one displayed on the label. Dr. Chris Vanderhoof is a 2013 graduate of the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine (VMCVM) at Virginia Tech, where he also earned a Masters in Public Health. Give your kitty Amoxicillin or any other antibiotic with your vets advice only. Hey doctor, I hope you are having a great day, All antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections and amoxicillin is no exception. font-weight: 700; 1. All opinions are those of the Irreverent Veterinarian and not the views of PetPlace.com and are not endorsed by PetPlace.com. margin: 0 auto; Giving amoxicillin to your kitty around the time of a meal can help to offset these possible effects. align-items: center; Dosage should be continued for 57 days or 48 hours after all symptoms have subsided. It is given at a frequency of two times per day. These include vomiting, diarrhea, or just a softer stool. -Now crying in pain as he licks his privates. All medications that we prescribe to our patients come with an expiration date. It is more resistant to stomach acids, which would readily degrade penicillin. WebIs Amoxicillin Safe for Cats? Also, side effects will occur in any cat if too much has been ingested. Doing so frequently can make the medication ineffective. Amoxicillin is an antibiotic widely used in human medicine. Throwing up. Follow the recommendations on the bottle for best results regarding the shelf life. Liquid amoxicillin needs to be kept in the refrigerator except when you are giving it to your cat. Hello Loreen, thank you for commenting! Hi Chris. Shes about 10lbs and I found a single capsule amoxicillin dosage of 500mg, is that safe to give her and will it be enough if I only giver her one? Turns out that my veterinary hospital employer follows the pharmacy rules. DONT start using an antibiotic you happen to have left over from the last time. It can also be used for gastrointestinal infections. The reason is that it will lose its potency over time, and it may even cause your symptoms to worsen. We invite you to take your pet to the veterinarian if they are suffering from any condition or pain. @media screen and (max-width:480px) { OK, so I'll concede to the second point. Fishy smelling, right? 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. 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 is also one of the most commonly used antibiotics in the world. It is important to keep in mind that some infections may not be bacterial. Common signs or symptoms of an upper respiratory infection include runny eyes, sniffling, sneezing, and sometimes even coughing. Answer: Only if Approved by Your Vet Amoxicillin specifically targets certain strains of bacteria and therefore is not prescribed for all kinds of infections. One of the most obvious positive sides to these antibiotics is how fast they enter your cats system. When give to a vulnerable kitten, the risk is even higher. That yogurt in the back of the fridge probably has at least a week or two past the stamped date, right? The American Veterinary Medical Association, mandates that veterinary drug expiration dates be provided on all dispensed medications when appropriate. However, there is a risk that antimicrobial resistance will mean antibiotics will be less effective in the future to the point that animals will be much more susceptible to infection. Share Improve this answer Follow answered Apr 22, 2017 at 17:55 Harry V. 5,989 2 16 35 Amoxicillin is a broad spectrum antibiotic, Use of Antibiotics So How much Amoxicillin is safe for cats, and what is Amoxicillin for cats dosage chart by weight. Always, Disposing of drugs, particularly controlled substances, is not always straightforward. Make sure to talk to your veterinarian about any signs or problems you might be seeing. Image from Instagram:@petdiseasealerts It would be prudent not to give your dog any human amoxicillin. Changes in health status, other concurrent conditions, and the addition of new medications or supplements could make an old prescription inappropriate. Most oral pills or capsules expire in 1 to 2 years from date of manufacturing. Typically, vets can prescribe Amoxicillin for cats to treat skin infections, and urinary tract infections. Reading this article until the end will solve all your queries about using this antibiotic drug for your kitty. It can be used alone or as a combination antibiotic like Clavamox. While some medications may change color or texture, this does not always happen. Amoxicillin. While you can safely store the medication after its expiration date, it is not recommended. Hi, I dont know where youre located, but maybe a rescue or a city shelter can help. Currently parent of three adopted cats and one small mutt. There is also tetracycline ointment for cats. -Other cats dont have the same symptoms Your email address will not be published. Doing so frequently can make the medication ineffective. And get this they're legally enjoined to do so regardless of the manufacturer's expiration dates. If your January purge includes decluttering your medicine cabinet, you might find yourself wondering how important those dates stamped on various pharmaceuticals really are. If no date can be found, it is safest to consider a medication expired six months after being dispensed. WebSo, can I give my cat amoxicillin? What we can say is that amoxicillin is usually administered one to three times a day. Address: 3832 Monroe Road, Charlotte, NC 28205 Disposing of drugs, particularly controlled substances, is not always straightforward. Throwing up. But this isnt the main point of my question). Here's what the pharmacy profession (staunch supporter of the regulation) argues: Because we don't test drugs at the time of dispensing, we don't know whether they're still as good as the manufacturers say they are. Allergic reactions do have the possibility of occurring. This has another medication added to the amoxicillin. display: inline-block; If your vet mixes the liquid and says it expires in 7 or 14 days then Id honor that. Fish amoxicillin is not intended to be used for other species of animals and it is in fact, not the same strength or formulation as what we use for pets or even people. Symptoms usually end when administration does. Changes in health status, other concurrent conditions, and the addition of new medications or supplements could make an old prescription inappropriate. How much Amoxicillin is The FDA has set the legal definition for expiration to be the time at which 10% of the active pharmaceutical ingredient has decomposed. As it turns out, I did some research on this a few days before Willys recent cleaning to learn this is highly recommended because under anesthesia Cats (and dogs too, probably) cant vomit up a recent meal choking on it and sending it down into the lungs to cause potentially severe complications. Often extra-label higher doses are used by vets. Antibiotics are a class of medication used to treat bacterial infections. } Answer: Only if Approved by Your Vet Amoxicillin specifically targets certain strains of bacteria and therefore is not prescribed for all kinds of infections. you might argue. It inhibits the growth of bacteria by preventing the cell wall formation of the bacterial cells. The recommended dosage is 50 mg (510 mg/lb) once a day. In any case, when no improvement is seen after the first few days of treatment, the veterinarian needs to be informed. The materials offered on this website are intended for educational purposes only. -Hugs water with his giant arms and drinks a lot Read between the lines some more: Limiting the expiration date is an easily defensible way to encourage more drug sales. 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. There is also tetracycline ointment for cats. WebIt is unusual for a cat to have high blood pressure in isolation from something like chronic kidney disease. The answer is: No, not without the express consent and direction of your veterinarian. Ive noticed for the past few weeks that he has right in the corner of his lip an Infection with pus (only in on side), some days it gets better and not even noticeable and the other days it get worse, It appeared out of no where I dont know from where did he get it (maybe he got into a fight) since he is an outdoor cat and plays alot with other cats in the neighborhood, the problem is When I saw it today it looked bad and very concerning because the infection is getting bigger and the side of the lip and the skin around it looks like its getting eaten up or (erosion) and there is pus + now when he closes his mouth normally you can see part of his tooth (because some of the skin is gone from the infection as I mentioned before) I wish I could show you a picture to make what Ive said clear. The shelf life once reconstituted is real. WebHowever, a lot of cats may be allergic to penicillin and can develop side effects: Chronic diarrhea. Cats can be given amoxicillin. I do not work with any feral populations myself, but it has been my understanding that there are often local vets that are willing to help keep these outdoor kitties as healthy as possible. If your cat is sick or not acting like herself, a trip to your family veterinarian is recommended. The answer is: No, not without the express consent and direction of your veterinarian. If there was extra gingivitis present that led to more bleeding during cleaning or if a lot of extra scaling under the gums was needed, your vet may have felt that an anti-inflammatory was warranted to ensure your kitty was more comfortable after going home. Nonprofit vets can be found. 6 Pet Medication Storage Tips to Avoid Danger, Off Label Use of Drugs in Veterinary Medicine, Holistic Medicine and How it Can Help Your Pet, Don't Make These Dangerous Mistakes With Your Pet's Medicine. Because people probably store animal medications even more carelessly than their own, and 2. Throwing up. The expiration date is always one year out unless the manufacturer's expiration date precedes it. But this is Amoxicillin is a gram-positive antibiotic medicine that helps your cat fight against certain bacterial infections such as UTI and bladder infections, respiratory tract, gastrointestinal infections, and skin-related issues in felines. If your pet is critically ill Id say no dont use ANY expired medications. WebIt is unusual for a cat to have high blood pressure in isolation from something like chronic kidney disease. Yes You might need to repeat blood tests to check for this type of disease process. If your veterinarian doesn't have it in stock, they may write a prescription. Therefore, probiotics for cats also help support healthier immunity. If there are still problems on day 10, take your cat to the vet. Like you, your cat might get a respiratory infection. Many medications can cause significant negative health effects if very high doses inappropriate for the patient are ingested. Anyhow, online says Cats: The recommended dosage is 50 mg (510 mg/lb) once a day. This being the law and all that. Our veterinarian will decide on the most suitable administration method and an injectable form is also available. The tablets typically come in 50, 100, 150, 200, and 400 mg, while the liquid oral suspension usually comes in 50-mg/ml. Developed for humans to take, antibiotics are used in most species of animals. Amoxicillin is effective against members of both of these categories. Liquid amoxicillin needs to be kept in the refrigerator except when you are giving it to your cat. It is not worth the risk of a reaction or problem from using expired medications. Some unopened medications can chemically be stable for at least 1 year beyond the expiration. If my pet was REALLY ill then I would NOT use any expired medication. As with any drug, we need to be careful. background: #fcb040; 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). We just got our cat,Willy, back from the vet for a dental cleaning. It is also more effective than another medication relative, ampicillin. If not 50mg available, open the 250 mg capsule and divide it into fifths. If you wish to store your veterinary pharmaceuticals, it is essential that you adhere to storage guidelines. Before you just toss them in the trash, refer to the. Common Names: Add them to the Cats Food: The Fish-Mox capsules are 250 mg. amoxicillin, recommended dosage one capsule twice per day, in food. The dosage and frequency can vary depending on the type of infectious condition being treated, so its always best for your kittys vet to determine what is most appropriate. If no date can be found, it is safest to consider a medication expired six months after being dispensed. Add them to the Cats Food: The Fish-Mox capsules are 250 mg. amoxicillin, recommended dosage one capsule twice per day, in food. These can occur as upper respiratory infections, urinary tract infections, and even skin infections. Dont make your cat suffer any longer! You might see it in combination products, such as Clavamox, where the medication is even more effective and long-lasting because it is mixed with a medication called clavulanic acid. I think so, anyway. Your veterinarian will likely look for eye or nasal discharge. An extended treatment with antibiotics can lead to yeast infections, especially if the cats immune system is The most common potential side effects are gastrointestinal problems. These skin infections can be very painful. Oral amoxicillin, like many broad-spectrum antibiotics, can alter the normal, beneficial bacteria in the digestive tract, which is often a cause of digestive upset if it occurs. Your furry friend might have pain when she urinates, causing discomfort. You can give your cat Fish Mox (50mg 2-3 times per day). Why? If only a month and year are listed, the medication is expired on the last day of the listed month. They knew that I would speak the truth regardless of pet owners or other veterinarians liked it or not. How long before it takes effect and what symptoms should I look for? Amoxicillin is a highly effective antibiotic, but it will not work as well after its expiration date if you have already taken it. Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections. 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 When eliminated, it is processed mainly by the kidneys. While discontinuing an antibiotic may relieve the side effects, this will also leave the original bacterial infection untreated. 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. For susceptible bacterial infections, you will typically see noticeable improvement within 2-3 days of use. Amoxicillin-clavulanic acid may cause stomach upset, vomiting, and diarrhea. Cats can be given amoxicillin. padding: 15px 5px 15px 5px; My cat accidentally swallowed 500mg of Amoxicillin. Amoxicillin usually comes in both pills and liquid suspension forms. In these cases you will need to go to the veterinarian to stop the effects or even a veterinary hospital in case of emergency. Share Improve this answer Follow answered Apr 22, 2017 at 17:55 Harry V. 5,989 2 16 35 In your experience, does this seem unnecessary and far afield? To the rare kitty this might happen with, these effects would occur with even a very small dose. How long? Severe allergic reactions to amoxicillin are extremely rare but can include rashes, hives, fever, and changes to red and white blood cell counts. The licking of private areas and urinary pain could be concerning for this. Once opened, it is best to honor the labeled expiration date. Unfortunately its not clear that your cat truly has a UTI with what youve described, or that a UTI if present, is the only issue your cat has. But unfortunately, I would feel that the addition of the fish amoxicillin capsules is misguided for two reasons. 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? But this is For more information, please contact us. Here an important thing to be noted is that there are many varieties of antibiotics Amoxicillin available, so your veterinarian can better decide which one will be safe for your kitty. The bacteria then die. 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). In veterinary medicine, the most common forms are liquid and pills. It's wrong! Animal Medical Hospital, Animal Medical Hospital and 24 Hour Urgent Care. We have seen that several antibiotics for humans that are commonly used in cats and dogs, one of the most commonly used is amoxicillin. It is not used as a first line of treatment unless the infection is far gone or the risk for infection (for example after surgery) is very high. Speaking with your own vet is usually best to best understand the rationale for certain decisions. How do you know if amoxicillin is the appropriate antibiotic for it? Cat sized doses can be bought at pet supply stores. Be sure to use and care for your pets medication responsibly, and when in doubt, throw it out! Dr. Chris Vanderhoof is a 2013 graduate of the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine (VMCVM) at Virginia Tech, where he also earned a Masters in Public Health. Any kind of out of pocket medical care is going to be expensive and helps to have some funds set aside for emergencies. However, overdosing or giving it incorrectly is toxic for the felines. Cats that suffer from a serious condition will have weaker immune systems and will therefore be more likely to contract bacterial and other infections. | 9 Reasons Explained, Maine Coon Breeders Nova Scotia | Kittens & Cats for Sale. Amoxicillin interacts with some other drugs which may be given to cats. 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. This is understandable. Please rush him to vet or hospital, as uric acid crystals block the urethra (which will kill your cat within a few days). Incomplete antibiotic courses, even if not expired, can result in lack of treatment, subjecting the pet to relapse or even antibiotic resistance. Give double dose first dose. Oral amoxicillin, like many broad-spectrum antibiotics, can alter the normal, beneficial bacteria in the digestive tract, which is often a cause of digestive upset if it occurs. The antibiotics is Amoxicillin/Clavulanate. Email: info@animalmedical.net. Please correct me if I am wrong. 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. Abscesses are swollen regions of infected tissue within a pet or person. My Dog Keeps Licking Her Private Area - All Possible Reasons, My Dog's Poop Starts Solid Then Goes Soft. 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. Potential Side effects of Amoxicillin for Cats, Amoxicillin for cats without vet prescription, How much Diazepam is safe for cats? But beyond that, I cannot assist with specific dosing for your cat beyond what is generally found in the article. A typical example is rhinotracheitis in cats. This product is Clavamox. How much Amoxicillin is 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. Fresh Breath. In an effort to simplify things for folks, a veterinarian may not communicate his or her full thought process, which can sometimes lead to misunderstandings. Dr. Patty Khuly Scheduling an appointment with your vet would be the best thing to do here. There are liquid medications (such as insulin) that are made in smaller vials so if you are using small quantities in a month consider asking the pharmacist if it is available in smaller portions (which are generally less expensive) to minimize waste. As a bactericidal antibiotic, it has the ability to kill certain strains of bacteria causing infections. If only a month and year are listed, the medication is expired on the last day of the listed month. And an employee who'd worked at yet another hospital reported the same about her previous employer's policy. justify-content: space-between; Cats can be given amoxicillin. Pretty sure my cat has a UTI color: #fff; Obviously for very small or very large cats this dose needs to be adjusted at a veterinarian's recommendation. This means administering them for the wrong type of infection, providing inadequate doses, not completing the full prescription or giving them to an otherwise healthy cat. You can give the tablet Amoxicillin to your Cats directly or by hiding it in your kitty food. This is because they are more likely to get into fights with other cats or injure themselves on hazardous material leading to an infected wound. PetPartners, Inc. is an indirect corporate affiliate of PetPlace.com. Therefore it is a common mistake to search for information on the dose of amoxicillin required for a cat and then administer it to them straightaway, because:. This is like you getting a sinus infection is often more likely than bronchitis. Image from Instagram:@petdiseasealerts It would be prudent not to give your dog any human amoxicillin. Yes and no. 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 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. 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 But Im also concerned that treating with an antibiotic alone could be missing something more important thats going on here. It is administered orally and reaches its maximum plasma concentration (i.e. 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. We look at what cases the antibiotic may be administered by understanding the uses, dosage and side effects of the drug. Liquid and other mixed prescriptions should be discarded after two weeks. Amoxicillin is a broad spectrum antibiotic, They can come as tablets, in liquid form, drops, cream or an injection. Turns out that my veterinary hospital employer follows the pharmacy rules. Make sure to follow your veterinarians prescription to avoid health complications. For example, it is commonly prescribed for treatment of infected wounds and abscesses. 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. How much should I give? In other words, if your kitty is doing well at a prescribed dose, an accidental extra dose or overdose would not cause these effects. Essentially the same antibiotics are effective in cats and in humans, however always in different concentrations and dosages. display: flex; Specifically, amoxicillin acts against certain Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. Your veterinarian can better decide the safe dose of Amoxicillin for your feline after observing the severity of the illness and your cat physically. Amoxicillin has no effect against worms in any way, only against bacteria, as I mentioned in the article, so the amoxicillin youre adding would not be helping with the problem youre trying to address. One of the most obvious positive sides to these antibiotics is how fast they enter your cats system. .medication-table h2{ Amoxicillin is an antibiotic that is related to penicillin. Outdoor feline explorers are often more prone to catching illnesses as they may rummage through trash and dirt. All she does is sleep. Amoxicillin is a highly effective antibiotic, but it will not work as well after its expiration date if you have already taken it. 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. Regular use of probiotics for cats can prevent digestive issues and ease symptoms like vomiting, stomach irritation, constipation, and diarrhea. The expiration date is always one year out unless the manufacturer's expiration date precedes it. It can decrease her willingness to use the litter box. But blood tests only reveal evidence of kidney failure in pets once 72% or more of the kidneys have been lost. margin-bottom: 20px; Copyright 2023 Animal Medical Hospital and 24 Hour Urgent Care. 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. Essential Considerations, Why Do Cats Rub Their Faces On Corners? These types of medicines are still saving lives today. The Irreverent Veterinarian is a columnist that regularly contributes to PetPlace.com. Precautions 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. However, since kittens are vulnerable and are yet to establish a clinical history, a veterinarian will need to determine the right course of action. This is because the bacteria often present in these cases is sensitive to amoxicillin. box-sizing: border-box; There are specific times with the medication might be most useful. While we should always take the prescribed dosage, some people either do not or for whatever reason have some extra in their medicine cabinet. Required fields are marked *.