Antibiotics for Feline Hepatitis

Feline hepatitis causes the cat's liver to become inflamed and inhibits the cat's ability to metabolize foods and detoxify blood. Symptoms of hepatitis in cats include vomiting, lack of appetite, jaundice, weight loss, abdominal swelling and tiredness. Bacterial hepatitis infections can be treated with antibiotics.

  1. Amoxicillin

    • Amoxicillin is a synthetic antibiotic also used by humans that was developed to improve upon shortcomings in penicillin. Amoxicillin can be used to treat many bacterial infections, like hepatitis. It can be used in combination with other drugs, and may cause nausea. If your cat is given amoxicillin, try to administer the medication with food. This drug is safe to be used during pregnancy. Administer the amount prescribed by your vet based on your cat's age, weight and health.

    Azithromycin

    • Azithromycin is a semisynthetic antibiotic that inhibits protein synthesis in bacteria. It works against many bacterial infections, and has better absorption than other drugs in its class. Side effects from large doses of azithromycin include diarrhea, vomiting and abdominal pain, and it should not be taken with cisapride. This drug is removed from the body through the liver, so if your cat's liver has been badly damaged by the hepatitis infection, it may require larger doses or a different medication. Administer the amount of this drug prescribed by your vet based on your cat's age, weight and health.

    Doxycycline

    • Doxycycline is a tetracycline antibiotic that inhibits protein synthesis, like azithromycin, and is often prescribed to human children. It is able to penetrate more barriers in the cat's body to tackle tough bacterial infections. Side effects of the drug include nausea and vomiting, which can be managed by administering the drug with food. Tetracyclines can stain teeth if given to immature animals, but doxycycline is less likely to do this. Do not use this drug if your cat is taking antacids or iron supplements because doxycycline will prevent their proper absorption. Administer the amount of this drug prescribed by your vet based on your cat's age, weight and health.

    Trimethoprim-Sulfa

    • Trimethoprim-sulfa antibiotics are a combination of two types of antibiotics that combat infections by inhibiting the enzymes that create food for the bacteria, killing the bacteria rather than just inhibiting production of new bacteria. This drug has minimal impact on the digestive tract and is also less expensive than other antibiotics. Side effects include joint inflammation, skin rashes, dry eye, liver complications and bladder stones. Do not give this drug to your pet with cyclosporine. This drug may be dangerous for cats with extensive hepatitis-related liver damage, so only administer the amount prescribed by your vet based on your cat's health.