Written by Dr. Feargus McConnell, BVSc on the Jan.16, 2024
Petdirect is dedicated to providing educational pet health content for pet parents. This article was written and reviewed by veterinary professionals to answer common questions about your pet’s medication. Our focus is on delivering unbiased information to help you understand how medication works, its potential side effects, and FAQs for your reference. Always administer medication directly as prescribed by your vet. This article shouldn’t take the place of advice from your vet.
Clavulox is a broad spectrum antibiotic which contains Amoxicillin and Clavulanic acid as the active ingredient. This medication is used for treating bacterial infections in cats and dogs. It's effective against a range of diseases, including skin, urinary tract, and respiratory infections, as well as enteritis. This medication is available in oral drops and tablet form in a variety of strengths.
Clavulox combats bacterial infections by neutralising ß-lactamase enzymes, which some bacteria produce to resist antibiotics. Its active ingredients, amoxycillin and clavulanic acid, work together to enhance its effectiveness against a broad spectrum of bacteria, including both Gram-positive and Gram-negative strains.
It is important to follow as guided by your veterinarian regarding the dose and frequency of this medication. Dose, frequency and duration of treatment depends on the severity of your pet's condition.
Clavulox Palatable Drops come as a powder which can be mixed with 14mL of water, forming a 15mL solution. Mix with water and shake well. Give by mouth. Dosing can vary based on the condition and should be decided by your veterinarian. Typically it is given twice a day.
Clavulox tablets are generally given by mouth twice a day. The tablets may be hidden in food whole or crushed and added to wet food if necessary but ensure your pet eats all the food containing the medications so they receive the entire dose. The dose may vary based on your pets condition and should be decided by your veterinarian.
Always complete the full course of Clavulox as prescribed by your veterinarian.
Not suitable for animals with penicillin allergies. May cause hypersensitivity reactions; handle with care if sensitive to penicillins. In the case of an adverse reaction contact the New Zealand National Poisons Centre at (www.poisons.co.nz/animal-helpline/ or 0800 869 738).
When administering Clavulox, it's essential to understand the implications of antibiotic resistance. This resistance can occur when bacteria adapt and become less susceptible to the medication, often due to incomplete treatment courses. Stopping Clavulox before your vet's recommended duration can lead to surviving bacteria that are more resistant, making future infections tougher to treat. Therefore, for effective treatment and to prevent resistance, always complete the full course of Clavulox as prescribed by your veterinarian.
Clavulox may cause stomach issues such as upset, vomiting, or diarrhoea in pets. Less common side effects include allergic reactions, such as irregular breathing, rash, fever, or facial swelling can also occur. If any of these symptoms appear, seek immediate veterinary care. It is important to note that drug sensitivities can develop over time, so monitoring for allergic reactions throughout the course of treatment is advised.
Please note that this information serves as a general guide. Always adhere to the specific instructions provided by your veterinarian:
For both forms it is important to keep it out of reach from children and other pets.
How long will my pet be on Clavulox?
What should I do in case of an overdose?
Are there any drug interactions I should be aware of?
Clavulox is a versatile antibiotic for treating various bacterial infections in cats and dogs. Always follow your veterinarian's guidance and contact them if you have any concerns about your pet’s reaction to the medication.