Amoxicillin
AntibioticsA bactericidal beta-lactam antibiotic (an aminopenicillin). It binds to penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs), inhibiting the cross-linking of the peptidoglycan layer of the bacterial cell wall, leading to lysis and death. It is relatively broad-spectrum but is degraded by beta-lactamase enzymes produced by some bacteria.
Pharmacological information
A class-level scientific overview for general reference — no doses. The ultimate reference is always the locally approved product leaflet and consultation with a veterinarian.
Mechanism of action
A bactericidal beta-lactam antibiotic (an aminopenicillin). It binds to penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs), inhibiting the cross-linking of the peptidoglycan layer of the bacterial cell wall, leading to lysis and death. It is relatively broad-spectrum but is degraded by beta-lactamase enzymes produced by some bacteria.
Indications
- Respiratory tract infections caused by susceptible bacteria
- Urinary tract infections
- Skin and soft-tissue infections
- Susceptible bacterial mastitis
Contraindications & warnings
- Hypersensitivity to penicillins or cephalosporins
- Not to be given to rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, or horses, as it may cause serious gastrointestinal disturbance (disruption of gut flora)
- Caution in renal impairment
Drug interactions
- Theoretical antagonism with bacteriostatic antibiotics (tetracyclines, macrolides)
- Its spectrum is enhanced by beta-lactamase inhibitors such as clavulanic acid
Prudent use of antibiotics
Prescribed based on diagnosis and susceptibility testing where possible; adhering to the prescribed duration reduces antibiotic resistance.
Withdrawal periods
| Species | Meat | Milk | Eggs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cattle | 39 days | 108 hours | — |
| Sheep | 29 days | — | — |
| Species | Meat | Milk | Eggs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cattle | 18 days | 1 days | — |
| Sheep | 10 days | — | — |
| Species | Meat | Milk | Eggs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cattle | 42 days | 60 hours | — |
| Species | Meat | Milk | Eggs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cattle | 39 days | 108 hours | — |
| Sheep | 29 days | — | — |
| Species | Meat | Milk | Eggs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chickens | 1 days | — | — |
| Turkeys | 5 days | — | — |
| Species | Meat | Milk | Eggs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chickens | 1 days | — | — |
| Species | Meat | Milk | Eggs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cattle | 7 days | 84 hours | — |
| Species | Meat | Milk | Eggs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cattle | 9 days | — | — |
| Species | Meat | Milk | Eggs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sheep | 45 days | — | — |
Recorded adverse effects
openFDA veterinary reports — the numbers are report counts, not a severity rate.
Related products
Sources
- •Withdrawal periods: UK Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD).
- •European Medicines Agency (EMA) — Veterinary medicines
- •Merck Veterinary Manual — Pharmacology
- •World Health Organization — Critically Important Antimicrobials (WHO CIA)
- •Always verify the locally approved leaflet and consult a veterinarian.