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AMOXYCLAV 50

Composition

Amoxycillin (as Trihydrate) 40mg
Clavulanic Acid (as Potassium salt) 10mg

Description

Amoxyclav 50mg are a broad spectrum bacteriocidal antibiotic tablets for dogs and cats with activity against many Gram positive and Gram negative organisms.

Action

Amoxycillin inhibits biosythesis of cell wall mucopeptide in sensitive microorganisms. It is not resistant to ß-lactamases and therefore has no activity against ß-lactamase producing organisms on its own. Potassium Clavulanate is the salt of Clavulanic acid and is produced by fermentation of Streptomyces clavuligerous. It is a potent progressive ß-lactamase enzyme inhibitor, inhibiting ß-lactams produced by Gram negative and Gram positive organisms. Potassium Clavulanate is able to permeate into cell walls and so can inactivate extra-cellular enzymes and those bound to cell walls. On its own, Potassium Clavulanate has weak bacteriocidal activity but it provides synergistic antibacterial activity when administered in combination with Amoxycillin trihydrate. Clavulanic acid has structural similarities to the penicillins and this is sufficient to cause an irreversible inhibition of the ß-lactamase, during which the clavulanic acid is destroyed, but the enzyme is permanently inactivated - suicide inhibition.

Indications

This combination has demonstrated in vitro activity bacteriocidal activity against Bordetella bronchisepta, Corynebacterium pyogenes, Proteus spp, Enterobacter spp, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Erysipelothrix rhusopathiae, Salmonella dublin and Salmonella typhimurium. In vivo and in vitro bacteriocidal activity has been demonstrated against Staphylococcal spp including Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcal spp, Escherichia coli and Pasterella spp. Use of Amoxyclav is indicated when bacterial infections of the respiratory, musculoskeletal, urinary systems or skin with organisms sensitive to the combination of amoxycillin and clavulanic acid are suspected.

Contraindications

Use in small herbivores such as rabbits and guinea pigs is contraindicated as is use in animals that have a history of allergic reaction to penicillins.

Dosage

12.5mg/kg bodyweight twice daily. This is the equivalent to 2.5mg/kg of clavulanic acid and 10mg/kg of amoxycillin. Dose rates of up to 25mg/kg bodyweight twice daily have shown to be effective in refractory cases. Duration of therapy is typically 5-7 days or for 48 hours after clinical signs have subsided. Longer duration of therapy is recommended for chronic cystitis and dermatitis conditions. This combination is stable in gastric acid and fate and absorption is not influenced by gastric or intestinal contents. This means it can be administered without regard to meals, and is appropriate for inappetant animals.