Prescribing overview
Clavulanate protects amoxicillin against certain beta-lactamases; it does not eliminate all bacterial resistance.
Key prescribing checks
- Do not use veterinary products in animals with a history of penicillin or cephalosporin allergy as described in the labels. Assess the previous reaction and current patient status.
- Select antimicrobial therapy for a supported bacterial indication; investigate failure or recurrence rather than relying on broader-sounding brand language.
- Check presentation-specific species labeling: larger veterinary tablet strengths are labeled for dogs, while designated smaller strengths and drops include cats. Reconstituted liquids have storage and discard requirements that do not apply to tablets.
Uses by species
Approval and evidence apply to the named product, species, route and indication. An extra-label use requires its own prescribing assessment; a human indication is not an animal approval.
Dogs
US veterinary labelsSusceptible skin/soft-tissue and periodontal infections
Includes deep pyoderma; culture before treatment when feasible.
Use / indication source ↗Cats
US veterinary labelsSusceptible skin/soft-tissue infections and E. coli cystitis
Feline tablets are the designated 62.5 mg presentation.
Use / indication source ↗Pharmacology & pharmacokinetics
Mechanism and clinical role
Amoxicillin inhibits bacterial cell-wall synthesis; clavulanate inhibits susceptible beta-lactamases.
Absorption, distribution, metabolism and elimination
Veterinary labels describe rapid absorption of both components into serum, urine and tissues; quantitative species-specific half-lives are not supplied here.
SAFETY REFERENCE · PRODUCT & SPECIES SPECIFIC
Contraindications & cautions
Contraindications identify circumstances where the source says a product should not be used. Precautions call for assessment or monitoring. Interactions identify combinations to review. They are distinct categories; this summary does not replace a full interaction check or the current product label.
Clavamox / Clavamox Drops / Clavacillin
US veterinary oral labels; feline tablet labeling is presentation-specific.
Contraindications · when not to use
- History of allergic reaction to any penicillin or cephalosporin.
Precautions & monitoring
- Pregnant/breeding animal safety has not been determined. Sensitized handlers should avoid direct contact. Keep palatable tablets secured to prevent overdose.
Safety sources checked: . Selected label information; independent veterinary or veterinary-pharmacy review remains pending. A label for dogs, cats, horses or humans does not establish safety for another species.
Adverse effects
Allergy, appetite loss, lethargy, vomiting and diarrhea are reported.
These are selected source-reported effects, not incidence estimates or an exhaustive list. Spontaneous postmarketing reports do not by themselves establish frequency or causality.
Dosing & administration
| Species & indication | Labeled regimen | Eligibility & source |
|---|---|---|
| DogsSkin/soft-tissue or periodontal infectionClavamox Chewable | 6.25 mg/lb combined actives Oral · Twice daily 5–7 days or 48 hours after signs resolve; deep pyoderma may need 21 days; maximum 30 days | Reassess if no response by day 5. Use whole-tablet strength combinations; consume entire broken tablet. Verify full dosing label ↗ |
| CatsSkin/soft-tissue infection or E. coli cystitisClavacillin 62.5 mg tablet | 62.5 mg combined actives Oral · Twice daily Skin: 5–7 days or 48 hours after signs resolve; urinary: 10–14 days or longer; maximum 30 days | Skin nonresponse by day 3 requires reassessment. Verify full dosing label ↗ |
| DogsSkin/soft-tissue and periodontal infectionsClavamox Drops 50 mg amoxicillin/12.5 mg clavulanic acid per mL | 6.25 mg/lb combined actives (1 mL/10 lb) Oral · Twice daily 5–7 days or 48 hours after signs resolve; deep pyoderma may need 21 days; maximum 30 days | Reassess no response by day 5. Verify full dosing label ↗ |
| CatsSkin/soft-tissue infection or E. coli cystitisClavamox Drops 62.5 mg combined actives/mL | 1 mL (62.5 mg) Oral · Twice daily Skin: 5–7 days or 48 hours after signs resolve; urinary: 10–14 days or longer; maximum 30 days | Reassess skin nonresponse by day 3. Verify full dosing label ↗ |
Combined strength includes both components; it is not amoxicillin-only milligrams.
Extra-label prescribing and food-animal residue requirements are separate from labeled regimens. FDA extra-label-use guidance ↗
Drug & supplement interactions
This is a selected interaction reference, not an automated or comprehensive combination checker. Reconcile prescription drugs, nonprescription products, supplements and recent treatment changes.
A product-specific interaction summary has not been established here. An empty list must not be interpreted as “no interactions.” Review the full source and a species-appropriate clinical reference.
Monitoring
Reassess culture results, lesion resolution and tolerability.
Client counseling
Secure palatable tablets against overdose; sensitized handlers should avoid direct contact.
This section supports the veterinary team's discharge discussion; it does not replace the product’s Client Information Sheet where one is required.
Storage & handling
Clavamox Chewable: dry, ≤25°C, retain foil until use. Drops: refrigerate after mixing; discard after 10 days.
Brands, formulations & ingredient identity
Active ingredients
Amoxicillin · Clavulanate potassium
Other searchable names: Amoxicillin clavulanic acid · Co-amoxiclav
Clavamox and Clavacillin share the active combination. They must remain distinct dispensing products with the actual presentation and component strengths recorded.
A labeled total tablet strength represents both components, not that amount of amoxicillin alone. This combination is not a brand synonym for amoxicillin-only Amoxi products.
Shared ingredients do not establish interchangeable concentrations, routes, release properties, species labeling or regional availability.
Clavamox
- Formulation
- Oral chewable tablets
- Label / product scope
- Dogs · Cats
Cat labeling applies to the designated smaller tablet strength; check package.
Product label / source ↗Clavamox Drops
- Formulation
- Oral suspension
- Label / product scope
- Dogs · Cats
Reconstituted liquid with its own storage/discard directions.
Product label / source ↗Clavacillin
- Formulation
- Oral tablets
- Label / product scope
- Dogs · Cats
Cat labeling is presentation-specific; larger tablet strengths are dog-labeled.
Product label / source ↗References & review status
Clinical reference updated October 16, 2026. Independent veterinary or veterinary-pharmacy review not yet completed. Evidence gaps remain explicitly identified; this page does not claim equivalence to a comprehensive, professionally reviewed veterinary formulary.