Clavamox is a broad-spectrum antibiotic containing amoxicillin trihydrate and clavulanate potassium. This combination makes for a highly effective antibiotic, as the clavulanate potassium increases the amount of time the antibiotic stays actively working in the body. The clavulanate potassium acts to inhibit the ß-lactamase, an enzyme which typically inactivates many other antibiotics. Once the ß-lactamase enzyme is restrained, the amoxicillin works to destroy harmful bacteria cells.
Who can use it?
Veterinarians prescribe and use this drug in both cats and dogs. It is available in both a chewable pork-flavored tablet and liquid drops.
What is it used for?
Clavamox is used to treat both Gram-negative and Gram-positive aerobic and anaerobic bacterial infections. It is commonly used to treat periodontal infections in dogs, and urinary tract infections in cats. It is also used to treat skin infections in both dogs and cats, such as abscesses, cellulitis, and wounds.
Dosage and Administration
Chewables are available in 62.5 mg, 125 mg, 250 mg, and 375 mg tablets.
Cats
Drops: 1 mL (62.5mg) every 12 hours for 5-7 days or 48 hours after symptoms subside (typically 10-14 days when treating a urinary tract infection).
Chewable tablets: 1 tablet (62.5mg) every 12 hours for 5-7 days or 48 hours after symptoms subside (typically 10-14 days when treating a urinary tract infection).
Note: If no response to treatment is seen after 3 days, your veterinarian should be consulted and usage should likely be discontinued. Duration of treatment should not exceed 30 days.
Dogs
Drops: 1 mL (62.5mg) per 10 pounds (or 1mL per 4.5 kg) every 12 hours for 5-7 days or 48 hours after symptoms subside.
Chewable tablets (see chart below): 1 tablet (62.5mg) per pound (or 13.75mg per kg) every 12 hours for 5-7 days or 48 hours after symptoms subside.
Note: If no response to treatment is seen after five days, your veterinarian should be consulted and usage should likely be discontinued. However, deep pyoderma may require treatment for up to 21 days, with a maximum treatment duration of 30 days.
Number of chewable tablets by body weight for dogs:
10 lb dog- one 62.5 mg tablet every 12 hours
20 lb dog- one 125 mg tablet every 12 hours
40 lb dog- one 250 mg tablet every 12 hours
60 lb dog- one 375 mg tablet every 12 hours
80 lb dog- two 250 mg tablets every 12 hours
100 lb dog- one 250 mg tablet and one 375 mg tablet for a total of 625 mg every 12 hours
Human Warnings
This antibiotic drug is not intended for use in humans. Those who have had a previous sensitivity to penicillin or cephalosporins should avoid exposure. Likewise, animals with a history or previous allergic reaction to penicillin or cephalosporins should avoid using unless advised otherwise by a veterinarian.
