Clavamox and Prednisone can be used together for felines with specific, somewhat unusual, medical conditions. Generally only cats who are already on Prednisone for treatment of asthma or severe allergies are candidates to receive Clavamox for bacterial infections, although there are rare exceptions.
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About Clavamox
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Clavamox is a combination of the two drugs Amoxicillin and Clavulanate. The two drugs work together to treat bacterial infections. Clavamox can be especially helpful in treating bacterial infections that have been resistant to Amoxicillin alone.
In a PetPlace.com article Dr. Mark Papich writes, "As with similar penicillin drugs, Amoxicillin plus Clavulanate kills bacteria by inhibiting production of the bacteria cell wall." Clavamox is a veterinary favorite and has been on the market for more than 20 years.
About Prednisone
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Prednisone is a synthetic corticosteroid. Different from anabolic steroids that increase muscle mass, catabolic steroids like Prednisone are meant to be stored by the body and then released during times of stress. Prednisone is commonly used as an anti-inflammatory or an immune-suppressive therapy.
Benefits
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The combination of Clavamox and Prednisone is unusual, relative to other veterinary prescriptions. However, the combination can have worthwhile benefits. Cats who are already on Prednisone for the treatment of asthma, severe allergies or skin rashes can benefit from adding Clavamox for combating bacterial infections.
Side Effects
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Clavamox is known for having few side effects and is even approved for treatment of humans. It can treat a wide variety of bacterial infections and is also easy for pets to swallow. Clavamox can be given with food to avoid stomach irritation.
A common side effect of Prednisone is excessive thirst and urination. Cats who are diabetic or are pregnant should not use Prednisone. Prolonged use of Prednisone can lead to atrophy of the adrenal gland. The dose of Prednisone can be tapered to lessen this effect. The longer Prednisone is used, the greater the likelihood of experiencing side effects.
Warning
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Combining medications is a tricky business. Benefits should be weighed carefully against risks by a reputable veterinarian. For a typical feline upper respiratory infection or urinary tract infection, this combination of drugs would not be recommended. Prednisone will help with inflammation but can also suppress the immune system and could make an infection worsen. Make sure to discuss all available treatment options with your vet and report any side effects immediately.
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