Clavamox & Diarrhea

Clavamox is a prescription drug containing a combination of the antibiotic amoxicillin and clavulanate, an enzyme inhibitor that makes the drug more effective. It's commonly used in cats to treat a variety of different infections, but can have some side effects. One of the most common Clavamox side effects is diarrhea.

  1. Function

    • Clavulanate and amoxicillin work synergistically, each increasing the effect of the other, to treat bacterial infections that can resist simple amoxicillin. The drug works by inhibiting the production of bacterial cell walls, in much the same way as other penicillin relatives. Clavulanate inhibits the production of an enzyme, beta-lactamase, produced by bacteria, which would normally render the amoxicillin inactive.

    Benefits

    • Clavamox allows veterinarians to treat feline infections that would normally require stronger antibiotics. This allows animals to recover and suffer less impact on their systems. It works against mouth, bone, skin, bladder and wound infections, as well as against internal infections, such as pneumonia. Clavamox is a relatively inexpensive drug that makes treatment less costly overall.

    Considerations

    • This drug combination is normally considered effective and safe when given by prescription, but does cause side effects. Diarrhea is the most common, since the amoxicillin also kills off beneficial bacteria in the digestive system. This condition is normally temporary, but can be unpleasant and may lead to dehydration. Clavamox can also cause vomiting in some animals, especially right after the drug is administered.

    Warning

    • Never administer Clavamox to dogs known to be hypersensitive to or allergic to this drug. Always inform your veterinarian of your pet's known allergies and of any drugs your pet might be taking. Cats that are on some other medications, such as tetracycline and chloramphenicol, may suffer drug interactions when given Clavamox.

    Misconceptions

    • Many people stop giving their pets antibiotics at the first sign of wellness or as soon as diarrhea and other side effects appear. This can increase the chances of a relapse and encourage the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Even if a pet appears to be well, or if digestive problems occur, the pet should receive the full course of antibiotics in order to ensure that the infection remains under control.