Amoxicillin (Generic)

What is Amoxicillin?
Amoxicillin is a broad-spectrum antibiotic. Antibiotics are drugs which kill or stop the growth of bacteria. Amoxicillin is very safe and often prescribed for infections while waiting for laboratory results.

Who is it for?
Amoxicillin is available for cats, dogs and other species.

What are the benefits?

Amoxicillin is a broad-spectrum oral antibiotic which belongs to the aminopenicillin group of antibiotics. Drops are highly palatable and easy to dispense to cats and fussy dogs; capsules and tablets can be hidden in a treat or meal. Amoxicillin may be given with food.

How does Amoxicillin work?
Amoxicillin blocks the bacteria from making a cell wall (the outer protective covering of the bacteria). As a result, the bacteria usually die.

Is there a generic equivalent available?
Amoxicillin is the generic form of the brand name Amoxi-Tabs.

How is it given?
Amoxicillin is given orally and may be given with food.

Always follow the dosage instructions provided by your veterinarian. If you have difficulty giving the medication, contact your veterinarian. Use all of the medication prescribed, even if your pet appears well. If the entire course of treatment is not given, the infection may recur or worsen.

What results can I expect?
Amoxicillin is absorbed well from the digestive system and is distributed to many body tissues, making it effective against infections in multiple organs. It is active against many different types of bacteria. It is usually given two to three times a day for a number of days. If doses are missed or the entire treatment regimen is not completed, the infection could recur or worsen. Consult your veterinarian if the animal's condition does not improve or worsens after beginning treatment with Amoxicillin.

What form(s) does it come in?
Tablet, capsule and oral suspension.

Please click on "More Information" for possible drug and food interactions with this medication.

Brand Name
Amoxi-Tabs

Pronunciation
a-mox-i-SILL- in

Common Drug Name
Amoxicillin

What should I discuss with my veterinarian while considering Amoxicillin?
Talk to your veterinarian about what tests and exams may be necessary while your pet is taking Amoxicillin. Also discuss how long the treatment period will be and what type of outcome is expected.

Tell your veterinarian if your pet has an allergy to penicillin, or may be pregnant or is nursing, or if you intend to breed your pet.

Notify your veterinarian of any other medications or supplements your pet is taking, and also if your pet has had any reactions to previous medications.

What should I do if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, give it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to the regular schedule. Do not give two doses at once.

What is the most important information I should know?
Follow your veterinarian's directions and give the full course of Amoxicillin as prescribed. Consult your veterinarian if the animal's condition does not improve or worsens after beginning treatment with Amoxicillin.

Who should not take it?
Not for use in animals hypersensitive (allergic) to penicillins or beta-lactam antibiotics such as cephalosporins.

Do NOT use amoxicillin in rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas, hamsters or other rodents since it will affect the normal bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract and possibly cause fatal diarrhea.

This medication should only be given to the pet for which it was prescribed.

What side effects may be seen when taking Amoxicillin?
Side effects are rare, but may include a lack of appetite, drooling, vomiting, or diarrhea. Side effects may be reduced by giving Amoxicillin with food.

How is it stored?
Store at room temperature in a tight, light-resistant childproof container. Once the oral suspension is reconstituted (the powder is mixed with water), store in the refrigerator and use within 14 days. Keep out of reach of children and pets.

What should I do if I know of or suspect there has been an overdose?
If you know or suspect your pet has had an overdose, contact your veterinarian immediately.

What should I avoid when giving my pet Amoxicillin?
Consult your veterinarian before using Amoxicillin with vitamins, supplements, bacteriostatic antibiotics (such as erythromycin or tetracyclines), probenecid or methotrexate since interactions may occur.

Where is more information available?
Ask your veterinarian, consult with one of our pharmacists at 1-800-447-3021, or see the Patient Information Sheet on this medication.