Clavamox (Amoxicillin / Clavulanate Potassium) Chewable Tablets for Dogs & Cats

What Is Clavamox?

Clavamox is an antibiotic belonging to the penicillin family. Clavamox contains amoxicillin and clavulanate and is known as potentiated penicillin. Antibiotics, also known as antimicrobials, are used to treat infections caused by bacteria. They do not work against viruses.

Clavamox has been shown to be effective in the treatment of skin and soft tissue infections in dogs and cats, periodontal (tooth-related) infections in dogs and urinary tract (bladder and kidney) infections in cats.

How Should Clavamox Be Stored?

Clavamox tablets should be kept in a cool, dry place at room temperature. (Do not remove the tablets from the foil strip until ready to use.)

Clavamox drops should be kept in the refrigerator. Drops are good for 10 days after you have mixed up the solution. After ten days, be sure to throw away any unused drops.

Can I Remove The Tablets From The Foil All At Once?

The tablets need to remain in the foil until ready to use. The product is not stable outside of the foil packaging and efficacy may be affected.

Can I Break The Tablets In Half?

Clavamox is not scored and is not meant to be broken in half. Once the tablet is removed from the foil, the unused half should not be stored for any period of time.

I Left The Clavamox Drops Out Of The Refrigerator. Are They Still Safe To Use?

Clavamox drops must be stored in the refrigerator. If there has been any change in color or odor of the product it is recommended to discard it.

Can Clavamox Drops Be Frozen?

No. Clavamox drops are damaged by freezing.

What Are The Possible Side Effects With Clavamox?

As with any medicine, Clavamox may cause problems. Some pets may have an allergic reaction to this kind of medicine. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include swelling of the face, itchy skin, hives, vomiting, diarrhea or breathing problems. Allergic reactions may be serious and may happen very quickly. If you think your pet is having an allergic reaction to the medicine, call your veterinarian right away.

What Are The Indications For Clavamox?

In dogs: Skin and soft tissue infections such as wounds, abscesses, cellulitis, superficial/juvenile and deep pyoderma due to susceptible strains of the following organisms: β-lactamase-producing Staphylococcus aureus, non-β-lactamase-producing Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus spp., Streptococcus spp., Escherchia coli and periodontal infections due to susceptible strains of both aerobic and anaerobic bacteria.

In cats: Skin and soft tissue infections such as wounds, abscesses, cellulitis/dermatitis due to susceptible strains of the following organisms: β-lactamase-producing Staphylococcus aureus, non-β-lactamase-producing Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus spp., Streptococcus spp., Escherchia coli, Pasteurella spp. urinary tract infections (cystitis) due to susceptible strains of Escherchia coli.

What Adverse Events Can Occur With Clavamox?

Clavamox contains semisynthetic penicillin (amoxicillin) and has the potential for producing allergic reactions. If an allergic reaction occurs, administer epinephrine and/or steroids.

What Is The Dosage For Clavamox?

Dogs: The recommended dosage is 6.25 mg/lb of body weight twice a day by mouth.

Skin and soft tissue infections such as abscesses, cellulitis, wounds, superficial/juvenile pyoderma, and periodontal infections should be treated for 5–7 days or for 48 hours after all symptoms have subsided. If no response is seen after 5 days of treatment, therapy should be discontinued and the case reevaluated. Deep pyoderma may require treatment for 21 days; the maximum duration of treatment should not exceed 30 days.

Cats: The recommended dosage is 62.5 mg twice a day by mouth.

Skin and soft tissue infections such as abscesses and cellulitis/dermatitis should be treated for 5–7 days or for 48 hours after all symptoms have subsided, not to exceed 30 days. If no response is seen after 3 days of treatment, therapy should be discontinued and the case reevaluated.

Urinary tract infections may require treatment for 10–14 days or longer. The maximum duration of treatment should not exceed 30 days.

Are There Any Contraindications Doe Clavamox Use?

The use of this drug is contraindicated in animals with a history of allergic reaction to any of the penicillins or cephalosporins.

When Was Clavamox Launched In The Us?

Clavamox was launched in the US in 1984 by SmithKline Beecham (SKB) Animal Health. It became a PAH product in 1994 after SKB was sold to Pfizer.

What Is The Youngest Age That A Dog Or Cat Can have Clavamox?

There is no minimum age for the use of Clavamox on the product label. In Dr. Margaret Root-Kustritz’s reproductive/neonatology book (Clinical Canine and Feline Reproduction: Evidence-Based Answers), she provides a Clavamox dose of 12.5-25.0 mg/kg PO every 12 hours for kittens and 20-30 mg/kg PO every 8 hours for puppies.

Is Clavamox Affected By Stomach Acids? Is Clavamox Readily Distributed Into Tissues After Administration?

Clavamox is stable in the presence of gastric acid and not significantly influenced by gastric or intestinal contents. The two components are rapidly absorbed resulting in amoxicillin and clavulanic acid concentrations in serum, urine, and tissues similar to those produced when each is administered alone. Amoxicillin and clavulanic acid diffuse readily into most body tissues and fluid with the exception of brain and spinal fluid.

What Is The Half-Life Of Clavamox? How Is Clavamox Metabolized And Excreted?

Per Plumb’s Drug Formulary, the half-life in dogs is .39 hours with peak plasma levels occurring 1 hour after absorption. The drug is excreted unchanged in the urine. In dogs, 34-52% of a dose is excreted in the urine as unchanged drug and metabolites, 25-27% eliminated in the feces and 16-33% into the respired air.