My vet prescribed Amoxyclav, Noroclav, Clavulox or Juroclav for my cat. What does that mean?

Amoxicillin-clavulanic acid (also known as amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium) is an antibiotic drug, used to treat a variety of illnesses in cats.  

Amoxicillin-clavulanic acid is sold in Australia most commonly under the brand name Amoyxclav, but is also sold as Noroclav, Clavulox and Juroclav - these drugs have the same active ingredients, in different strengths and different delivery methods.  You should check with your vet if you intend to change between the brands as your vet may have a reason for one particular drug being best for your cat.

Amoxyclav for cats is often used by vets to treat cats with skin and soft tissue infections and periodontal (gum) disease, and urinary tract infections. 

 

This article answers some of your common questions, such as how Amoxicillin-clavulanic acid helps your cat, the dosage for Amoyxclav, and the side-effects of Amoyxclav for cats.

How does Amoyxclav help my cat?

Antibiotics like amoxyclav are essential to treat a bacterial infection in your pet.  Amoxicillin (a synthetic penicillin) is a well-known broad spectrum antibiotic, used in animals as well as humans.  In Amoxyclav, clavulanic acid has been added to amoxicillin to protect the antibiotic from enzymes that could destroy the antibiotic before it can kill the bacteria.

 

Amoxicillin is a “beta-lactam” antibiotic, which works by attaching to the proteins in bacterial cells, causing the cell wall to break down and killing the bacteria. It is very safe, although (like in humans) a small percentage of animals are allergic to it (and other penicillins).

 

What can I expect when my cat starts on Amoxyclav?

  • Amoxicillin (either Amoxyclav, Noroclav, Clavulox or Juroclav) works fast, starting to work on killing the bacterial infection only hours after the first dose.  However it may take a couple of days for you to see that it’s working to treat your cat’s infection.
  • Just like a human taking antibiotics, it is important that your cat takes the entire prescribed course of Amoxyclav (or Noroclav, Clavulox or Juroclav) - this ensures that all bacteria are killed.  If your cat doesn’t finish the course of antibiotics, the bacteria could become resistant to Amoxyclav, and this important drug may not be effective in treating future bacterial infections in your cat.
  • It is important that you periodically discuss your cat’s response to Amoxyclav with your vet, who will determine if your cat is responding as expected, and what the ongoing dose of Amoxyclav for cats should be.  

How to give Amoxyclav, Noroclav, Clavulox and Juroclav to my dog?

Amoxyclav, Noroclav, Clavulox and Juroclav are available in a number of delivery methods - your vet might prescribe that your cat should take it as a tablet, capsule, or liquid, or in some cases, by injection.. 

 

Here’s some handy tips:

  • If administering Clavulox as drops, or a liquid, make sure to shake the bottle before measuring the medication carefully
  • If giving Clavulox to your cat by injection, your vet will instruct you on how to administer this safely to your cat.
  • If your cat is taking Amoxyclav, Noroclav, Clavulox or Juroclav as a tablet or capsule, ensure that it is followed by water or food – never give the pill dry. Tablets may be administered whole, crushed or dissolved in some liquid.
  • Vets recommend that you give this medication with food, to limit the risk of upset stomachs. 

Storage of Amoxyclav

The manufacturer of Amoxyclav recommends that it be stored at room temperature (below 25 degrees) - though check the storage requirements for the formulation and delivery method that your pet has been prescribed.

Who should NOT take Amoxyclav?

 

  • Cats with known allergy or sensitivity to penicillins should NOT be given Amoxyclav
  • Amoxyclav, like other antibiotics, treats bacterial infections - it does NOT treat viral infections.  Your vet will only prescribe this drug to treat bacterial infections.
  • Amoxyclav can interact with blood thinners and inflammation medicine
  • Some drugs don’t work as well, if your pet is also taking Amoxyclav, and there are drugs that cannot be taken with Amoxyclav.  For this reason, please make sure that you tell your vet about all other medications that your dog is taking, including vitamins, supplements and herbal therapies.   
  • NEVER give this drug to rabbits, hamsters, guinea pigs, or other rodents as it can cause life-threatening diarrhea.

 

What if I give too much Amoxyclav? What if I miss a dose of Amoxyclav or give the wrong dose of Amoxyclav?
Administration of drug issues

When treating your cat with Amoxyclav, Noroclav, Clavulox or Juroclav, try to give your cat the prescribed dose at the same time each day - it is important to stick to the schedule as much as possible.  

However, if you miss giving a dose of Amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, don’t worry.  If you remember a missed dose, give the dose as soon as possible. However, if it is within an hour or two of the next dose being due, skip the missed dose, and continue with the regular schedule. 

 

Never give your pet two doses at once.

As with all antibiotics, your cat needs to finish the whole of the prescribed course of Amoxyclav, to prevent your cat developing a resistance to Amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, and this important drug may not be effective in treating future bacterial infections in your cat.

Possible side effects 

Amoxicillin-clavulanic acid is generally well tolerated by cats.  However, as with any medication, if you are concerned about a possible side effect of Amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, stop treatment and contact your vet immediately. 

 

Always monitor your cat for an allergic reaction to amoxyclav. A sensitivity to this drug can develop over time with repeated exposure. Your cat may have had no reaction when previously taking the medicine, or even after the first few doses, but may develop a sensitivity. It is important to watch for signs of an allergic reaction over the entire course of treatment - signs of allergic reaction include:

  • irregular breathing, 
  • rash, 
  • fever, 
  • puffiness and 
  • swelling around the face.

If these occur, contact your vet immediately.

As with any medication, if you are concerned about a possible side effect of Amoxyclav, stop treatment and contact your vet immediately. 

 

Can I buy Amoxyclav, Noroclav, Clavulox and Juroclav online?

Amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, under any brand name, is a prescription medicine, and you can buy it online from PetScripts once you have a script (prescription) from your vet.  Please ensure that you have read the How to Order page before ordering this item.

 

Disclaimer

This information is not intended nor is it implied to be a substitute for professional medical or veterinary advice or any information contained on or in any product packaging or labels. Always seek the advice of your Veterinarian, Pharmacist, or qualified health provider when starting any new medical treatment, continuing with medical treatment or with any questions you may have regarding your animal's medical condition. Professional advice is required for each particular illness, disease, infection, injury or other medical condition and for dosages of the pharmaceutical product supplied via this website. You take full and total responsibility for what you do with this information and any resulting outcomes from your actions.

NOTHING CONTAINED IN THE SERVICE IS INTENDED TO BE OR SHOULD BE TAKEN FOR MEDICAL OR VETERINARY DIAGNOSIS OR TREATMENT.

IF YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY OR NEED IMMEDIATE MEDICAL TREATMENT FOR YOUR PET, PLEASE CONSULT AN ANIMAL HOSPITAL OR EMERGENCY VETERINARY FACILITY.