Amoxicillin
“This page provides important general information for pet owners whose animals have been prescribed Amoxicillin during a consultation by Dr Noor.”
Key Information
- This medicine is an antibiotic. It is used to treat many types of infections caused by bacteria.
- Giving the dose with a meal can reduce stomach upset.
- Keep giving every dose for the full time your veterinarian prescribed, even if your animal seems improved.
- Do not give this medicine to rabbits, guinea pigs, rodents, or other small “pocket pets.” In these animals, amoxicillin may cause serious harm or death.
Note: This handout is meant to address common questions. It does not include every detail about this medicine and does not replace guidance from your veterinary healthcare team.
Description
- This is a penicillin-type antibiotic.
- It comes as tablets, capsules, and liquid forms taken by mouth.
Other common names
- Amoxil
- Amoxi-Tabs
- Amoxi-Drops
- Biomox
Uses
Approved uses in animals:
- In dogs and cats: infections caused by bacteria affecting the skin, breathing system, digestive system, and urinary system.
At your veterinarian’s judgment, it may also be used in other animals or for other reasons (extra-label use), such as:
- Other bacterial infections in dogs and cats.
- In ferrets: sores in the stomach or intestines linked to bacterial infection.
Before this medication is given
No medicine is completely safe for every patient. Talk with your veterinarian about:
- Any other medicines or supplements your animal is currently receiving.
- Any health problems your animal has now, or has had before.
- Any unwanted reactions your animal has had to medicines in the past.
- The possible risks of using this medicine if your animal is pregnant or nursing.
Warnings for animals
Do not use:
- In animals that have an allergy to this medicine or to other penicillin medicines.
- In rabbits, guinea pigs, rodents, or other pocket pets. In these animals, amoxicillin may be dangerous or deadly.
Some animal competitions do not allow certain medicines. If your animal competes, confirm the rules while your animal is taking this medicine.
Warnings for humans
If you are allergic to penicillin antibiotics, wear gloves or do not handle this medicine. After handling it, wash your hands.
How do I give this medication?
Give this medicine exactly the way your veterinarian directed. Follow the directions on the prescription label.
- You may give it with food or without food. Giving it with food may help avoid stomach upset.
- If you are using a liquid, shake it well each time before giving a dose.
- For liquids, use an oral syringe, a medicine cup, or a dosing spoon to measure. Do not use kitchen spoons or other household measuring tools.
Side effects
Common — contact your veterinarian if these problems are strong, keep happening, or get worse over time:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Reduced appetite
- In cats: not eating at all. This can sometimes lead to liver problems.
Severe — stop giving the medicine and contact your veterinarian right away if you notice any of the following:
- Trouble walking normally, shaking, or changes in behavior
- Fever, skin rashes, breathing difficulty, or pale gums. These can be signs of an allergic reaction.
How will I know it’s working?
Your animal should begin to seem better within 1 to 2 days.
If your animal’s symptoms get worse or do not improve, contact your veterinary clinic.
How long will the medication effects last?
This medicine is expected to stop working within 24 hours after the final dose.
If your animal’s kidneys do not work as well, the effects may continue longer.
How long do I give it for?
The length of treatment can vary. Give it for the full time your veterinarian instructs.
A refill may be needed.
It is important to complete the full treatment course, even if your animal seems better.
Overdose
The most common overdose signs are vomiting and diarrhea.
Very large overdoses may harm the nervous system.
If you see or think an overdose has happened, contact your veterinarian.
If possible, have the medicine container or label with you.
Missed dose
In most situations, if you forget a dose:
- Give it as soon as you remember, and then go back to the usual schedule.
If it is almost time for the next dose:
- Do not give the missed dose.
- Give the next dose at the regular time.
- Continue with the normal schedule.
If you are not sure what to do, call your veterinary clinic. Do not give two doses at once and do not give extra doses.
Storage
- Keep tablets and capsules at room temperature.
- Store liquid forms the way the product label instructs.
- Keep this medicine where children and animals cannot reach it.
Liquid forms must be thrown away 14 days after they are mixed with water.
Disposal
Do not pour this medicine into a sink and do not flush it down a toilet.
Ways to get rid of unused or expired medicine include:
- Medicine take-back locations: This is the best option when available. To find a nearby site, contact local law enforcement or your waste management office.
- At-home disposal: Mix the medicine with coffee grounds or kitty litter, place it in a sealed plastic bag, and put it in the trash.
Do not keep leftover medicine for later use and do not give it to anyone else.
Questions?
Speak with your veterinarian.
“Disclaimer: The information on this page is provided as general educational material only. Every animal’s health situation is unique, and treatment decisions must be based on a full veterinary assessment. Always follow the specific instructions given during your consultation, and contact the prescribing veterinarian if you have any concerns.”