CLAVAMOX (for pets) (AMOXICILLIN/CLAVULANATE)

Clavamox Description

Many bacterial infections, including pneumonia, bronchitis, and ear, skin, or urinary tract infections are treated with antibiotics from the penicillin family. Clavamox is part of that family and is a combination of 2 active ingredients that can stop the bacteria from being able to grow and multiply in your pet.

If your veterinarian suspects your dog has a bacterial infection, you may be instructed to start treatment with Clavamox while waiting for test results to identify the source of the infection. Clavamox will not treat a viral or fungal infection, so you may be required to change the course of action if test results show infection is not bacterial.

An Antibacterial Drug with a Back-up to Help Your Pet Feel Better

When given as directed, Clavamox or generic Amoxicillin/Clavulanate will work in 2 ways to stop the bacteria. Amoxicillin is a beta-lactam antibiotic that will bind to certain enzymes that are essential to the building of bacterial cell walls. Without this enzyme, holes form in the cell walls and its contents leak out as other substances seep in. Bacteria are not able to survive this action and die. The generic alternative is not manufactured by the company that makes the brand product.

Clavulanate is Amoxicillin’s ‘body-guard’ as it works as a beta lactamase inhibitor and will bind to the beta-lactamase enzymes and inhibit their action as some bacteria are able to break-down beta-lactam antibiotics so they become useless. With the help of Clavulanate, Amoxicillin’s effectiveness is increased and can have your pet feeling better in no time.

Conditions Treated by Clavamox

Clavamox is better equipped for handling Staphylococcus infections than Amoxicillin alone due to the addition of Clavulanate as Staph bacteria are able to fight back and render Amoxicillin ineffective. Humans and pets alike are home to countless bacteria with Staphylococcus aureus being the most common bacteria that usually lives on the skin. They will take any opportunity to enter the bloodstream through a cut, scrape, lesion, or surgical site and start an infection. The cells do not require oxygen, they are immobile, and don’t form spores.

Before Clavamox is Prescribed

Tell your doctor before administering Clavamox whether your pet is, or may be, pregnant or is nursing a litter as it may be harmful to the unborn or nursing babies. Explain other medical conditions or allergies your dog or cat has and list the OTC or Rx drugs you currently give, including herbal remedies and vitamin or dietary supplements, as some drugs may interact adversely with Clavamox.

Proper Use of Clavamox (for pets)

To reduce any risk of drug-resistant bacteria, give Clavamox for the entire treatment period prescribed by your vet or this can result in a re-infection. Keep all medications out of children’s reach. Giving Clavamox just after a meal may help curb any nausea or vomiting in your pet.

Possible Side Effects of Clavamox

• Diarrhea
• Nausea or vomiting
• Decreased appetite