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Amoxicillin

PrescriptionCDSCO approved
Aminopenicillin antibiotic
Last reviewed 19 Apr 2026 · PetCare.AI Editorial Team
Species
Dog, Cat
Brands
4 available
Formulations
5

Mechanism of action

Inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis by binding to penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs)

At a glance

Class
Aminopenicillin antibiotic
Schedule
Prescription
Storage
Store below 25°C. Reconstituted suspension: refrigerate, use within 14 days
CDSCO (India)
Vet-approved — 1980-01

Dosing

🐕

Dog

Urinary tract infections
Dose
10–25 mg/kg
Route
PO
Frequency
BID-TID
Max dose
750 mg/dose; 2250 mg/day
Duration: 10-14 days
Skin infections
Dose
10–25 mg/kg
Route
PO
Frequency
BID
Max dose
750 mg/dose; 1500 mg/day
Duration: 7-14 days
🐈

Cat

Urinary tract infections
Dose
10–25 mg/kg
Route
PO
Frequency
BID
Max dose
375 mg/dose; 750 mg/day
Duration: 10-14 days
Upper respiratory infections
Dose
10–25 mg/kg
Route
PO
Frequency
BID
Max dose
375 mg/dose; 750 mg/day
Duration: 7-14 days

Formulations

💊

Tablet — 2

Strength
250mg
Available in India
Strength
500mg
Available in India
💊

Capsule — 1

Strength
500mg
Available in India
🧴

Suspension — 1

Strength
125mg/5mL
Available in India
💉

Injectable — 1

Strength
1g vial
Available in India

Storage

Store below 25°C. Reconstituted suspension: refrigerate, use within 14 days

Safety

Absolute contraindications — do not use

  • Known penicillin hypersensitivity
    Do not use in animals with documented penicillin allergy

Use with caution

  • Renal impairment
    Dose interval extension needed in renal failure
  • Concurrent bacteriostatic antibiotics
    Bacteriostatic drugs may antagonise bactericidal activity

Adverse effects

Common
Vomiting
Diarrhoea
Soft stools
Serious
Anaphylaxis (rare)
Superinfection

Monitoring parameters

Clinical responseGI tolerance

Interactions

No documented interactions.

Brands

International

Amoxil
GSK

India

Mox
Ranbaxy
Novamox
Cipla
Amoxyvet
Intas

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

What is Amoxicillin?
Amoxicillin is a aminopenicillin antibiotic used in pets. Inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis by binding to penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs)
What is Amoxicillin used for in pets?
Amoxicillin is used in veterinary medicine for: Urinary tract infections; Skin infections; Upper respiratory infections.
What is the Amoxicillin dose for dogs?
For dogs, Amoxicillin is typically dosed as follows — Urinary tract infections: 10–25 mg/kg PO BID-TID; Skin infections: 10–25 mg/kg PO BID. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
What is the Amoxicillin dose for cats?
For cats, Amoxicillin is typically dosed as follows — Urinary tract infections: 10–25 mg/kg PO BID; Upper respiratory infections: 10–25 mg/kg PO BID. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
What are the side effects of Amoxicillin?
Common: Vomiting, Diarrhoea, Soft stools. Serious (call your vet immediately): Anaphylaxis (rare), Superinfection.
Does Amoxicillin need a prescription?
Yes. Amoxicillin is a prescription medication and should only be administered under veterinary supervision.
When should Amoxicillin not be used?
Do not use Amoxicillin if: Known penicillin hypersensitivity.

References

CDSCO approvals (India) — 2

Amoxicillin Trihydrate LA Injection
M/s S.M Marketing · Approved 07.07.2008
inicated for treatment of infections caused by susceptible germs located in digestive tract, tissues, as well as in dise
Amoxicillin Oily Injection Long Acting Vet 150mg
M/s Crescent Labs Private Limited · Approved 03.10.2024
For the treatment of respiratory infection due to Pasteurella Multocida and Mannheimia haemolytica in cattle and Pasteur
Source: CDSCO Veterinary Drug Approval Registry (1969–2026)

References

Textbooks & handbooks

  • Plumb, D.C. Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2023.
  • Vail, D.M., Thamm, D.H., & Liptak, J.M. (eds.). Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology. 6th ed., Saunders/Elsevier, 2020.
  • Riviere, J.E., & Papich, M.G. (eds.). Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2018.
  • National Research Council. Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats. National Academies Press, Washington DC, 2006.
  • The Merck Veterinary Manual. Merck & Co., Online edition. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/

Clinical guidelines & consensus

  • Fletcher, D.J., Boller, M., Brainard, B.M., et al. "RECOVER Evidence and Knowledge Gap Analysis on Veterinary CPR." Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care, 2012;22(S1):S102–S131.
  • American Animal Hospital Association. 2018 AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines for Dogs and Cats. AAHA Press.

Journals & peer-reviewed studies

  • Hogan, D.F., Fox, P.R., Jacob, K., et al. "Secondary prevention of cardiogenic arterial thromboembolism in the cat: The FAT CAT study." Journal of Veterinary Cardiology, 2015;17(Suppl 1):S306–S317.
  • Boswood, A., Häggström, J., Gordon, S.G., et al. "Effect of Pimobendan in Dogs with Preclinical Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease and Cardiomegaly: The EPIC Study — A Randomized Clinical Trial." Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 2016;30(6):1765–1779.
  • ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Toxicology and Poison Management Guidelines. American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control

Regulatory & approvals

  • Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), Government of India. Veterinary Drug Approval Registry, 1969–2026. Directorate General of Health Services. https://cdsco.gov.in/

Databases

  • Washington State University, College of Veterinary Medicine. Veterinary Clinical Pharmacology Laboratory (VCPL) — MDR1 Multidrug Sensitivity Database. https://vcpl.vetmed.wsu.edu/
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →

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