Amoxicillin inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis; clavulanate inhibits beta-lactamase enzymes, extending spectrum to resistant organisms
At a glance
Class
Beta-lactam antibiotic + beta-lactamase inhibitor
Storage
Store below 25°C. Reconstituted suspension: refrigerate, use within 7 days
Dosing
Skin and soft tissue infections
Max dose
625 mg/dose; 1250 mg/day
Duration: 7-14 days
Urinary tract infections
Max dose
625 mg/dose; 1250 mg/day
Duration: 10-14 days
Dental infections
Max dose
625 mg/dose; 1250 mg/day
Duration: 7-10 days
Skin and soft tissue infections
Max dose
312.5 mg/dose; 625 mg/day
Duration: 7-14 days
Urinary tract infections
Max dose
312.5 mg/dose; 625 mg/day
Duration: 10-14 days
Safety
Absolute contraindications — do not use
Adverse effects
Common
Vomiting
Diarrhoea
Anorexia
Serious
Anaphylaxis
Hepatotoxicity (rare)
Blood dyscrasias
Clinical responseGI toleranceLiver enzymes for prolonged courses
Interactions
No documented interactions.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
›What is Amoxicillin + Clavulanate?
Amoxicillin + Clavulanate is a beta-lactam antibiotic + beta-lactamase inhibitor used in pets. Amoxicillin inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis; clavulanate inhibits beta-lactamase enzymes, extending spectrum to resistant organisms
›What is Amoxicillin + Clavulanate used for in pets?
Amoxicillin + Clavulanate is used in veterinary medicine for: Skin and soft tissue infections; Urinary tract infections; Dental infections.
›What is the Amoxicillin + Clavulanate dose for dogs?
For dogs, Amoxicillin + Clavulanate is typically dosed as follows — Skin and soft tissue infections: 12.5–25 mg/kg PO BID; Urinary tract infections: 12.5–25 mg/kg PO BID; Dental infections: 12.5–25 mg/kg PO BID. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What is the Amoxicillin + Clavulanate dose for cats?
For cats, Amoxicillin + Clavulanate is typically dosed as follows — Skin and soft tissue infections: 12.5–25 mg/kg PO BID; Urinary tract infections: 12.5–25 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 + Clavulanate?
Common: Vomiting, Diarrhoea, Anorexia. Serious (call your vet immediately): Anaphylaxis, Hepatotoxicity (rare), Blood dyscrasias.
›Does Amoxicillin + Clavulanate need a prescription?
Yes. Amoxicillin + Clavulanate is a prescription medication and should only be administered under veterinary supervision.
›When should Amoxicillin + Clavulanate not be used?
Do not use Amoxicillin + Clavulanate if: Known penicillin hypersensitivity.
References
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.
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