Description: 

Clavamox Tablets

For use in dogs and cats

DESCRIPTION: Clavamox (amoxicillin trihydrate/clavulanate potassium) is an orally administered formulation comprised of the broad-spectrum antibiotic Amoxi® (amoxicillin trihydrate) and the b-lactamase inhibitor, clavulanate potassium (the potassium salt of clavulanic acid).

Amoxicillin trihydrate is a semisynthetic antibiotic with a broad spectrum of bactericidal activity against many gram-positive and gram-negative, aerobic and anaerobic microorganisms. It does not resist destruction by b-lactamases; therefore, it is not effective against b-lactamase-producing bacteria. Chemically, it is D(-)-a-amino-p-hydroxybenzyl penicillin trihydrate.

Clavulanic acid, an inhibitor of b-lactamase enzymes, is produced by the fermentation of Streptomyces clavuligerus. Clavulanic acid by itself has only weak antibacterial activity. Chemically, clavulanate potassium is potassium z-(3R,5R)-2-b-hydroxyethylidene clavam-3-carboxylate.

ACTIONS: Clavamox is stable in the presence of gastric acid and is not significantly influenced by gastric or intestinal contents. The 2 components are rapidly absorbed resulting in amoxicillin and clavulanic acid concentrations in serum, urine, and tissues similar to those produced when each is administered alone.

Amoxicillin and clavulanic acid diffuse readily into most body tissues and fluids with the exception of brain and spinal fluid, which amoxicillin penetrates adequately when meninges are inflamed. Most of the amoxicillin is excreted unchanged in the urine. Clavulanic acid's penetration into spinal fluid is unknown at this time. Approximately 15% of the administered dose of clavulanic acid is excreted in the urine within the first 6 hours.

Clavamox combines the distinctive properties of a broad-spectrum antibiotic and a b-lactamase inhibitor to effectively extend the antibacterial spectrum of amoxicillin to include b-lactamase-producing as well as non-b-lactamase-producing aerobic and anaerobic organisms.

MICROBIOLOGY: Amoxicillin is bactericidal in action and acts through the inhibition of biosynthesis of cell wall mucopeptide of susceptible organisms. The action of clavulanic acid extends the antimicrobial spectrum of amoxicillin to include organisms resistant to amoxicillin and other b-lactam antibiotics. Amoxicillin/clavulanate has been shown to have a wide range of activity which includes b-lactamase-producing strains of both gram-positive and gram-negative aerobes, facultative anaerobes, and obligate anaerobes. Many strains of the following organisms, including b-lactamase-producing strains, isolated from veterinary sources, were found to be susceptible to amoxicillin/clavulanate in vitro but the clinical significance of this activity has not been demonstrated for some of these organisms in animals.

Aerobic bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus*, b-lactamase-producing Staphylococcus aureus* (penicillin resistant), Staphylococcus species*, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus intermedius, Streptococcus faecalis, Streptococcus species*, Corynebacterium pyogenes, Corynebacterium species, Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae, Bordetella bronchiseptica, Escherichia coli*, Proteus mirabilis, Proteus species, Enterobacter species, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Salmonella dublin, Salmonella typhimurium, Pasteurella multocida, Pasteurella hemolytica, Pasteurella species*.

* The susceptibility of these organisms has also been demonstrated in in vivo studies.

Studies have demonstrated that both aerobic and anaerobic flora are isolated from gingival cultures of dogs with clinical evidence of periodontal disease. Both gram-positive and gram-negative aerobic and anaerobic subgingival isolates indicate sensitivity to amoxicillin/clavulanic acid during antimicrobial susceptibility testing.

SUSCEPTIBILITY TEST: The recommended quantitative disc susceptibility method (FEDERAL REGISTER 37:20527–29; Bauer AW, Kirby WMM, Sherris JC, et al: Antibiotic susceptibility testing by standardized single disc method utilized 30 mcg Augmentin® (AMC) discs for estimating the susceptibility of bacteria to Clavamox Tablets.

INDICATIONS: Clavamox Tablets are indicated in the treatment of:

Dogs: Skin and soft tissue infections such as wounds, abscesses, cellulitis, superficial/juvenile and deep pyoderma due to susceptible strains of the following organisms: b-lactamase-producing Staphylococcus aureus, non-b-lactamase-producing Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus spp., Streptococcus spp., and E. coli.

Periodontal infections due to susceptible strains of both aerobic and anaerobic bacteria. Clavamox has been shown to be clinically effective for treating cases of canine periodontal disease.

Cats: Skin and soft tissue infections such as wounds, abscesses, and cellulitis/dermatitis due to susceptible strains of the following organisms: b-lactamase-producing Staphylococcus aureus, non-b-lactamase-producing Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus spp., Streptococcus spp., E. coli, and Pasteurella spp.

Urinary tract infections (cystitis) due to susceptible strains of E. coli.

Therapy may be initiated with Clavamox prior to obtaining results from bacteriological and susceptibility studies. A culture should be obtained prior to treatment to determine susceptibility of the organisms to Clavamox. Following determination of susceptibility results and clinical response to medication, therapy may be reevaluated.

CONTRAINDICATIONS: The use of this drug is contraindicated in animals with a history of allergic reaction to any of the penicillins or cephalosporins.

ADVERSE REACTIONS: Clavamox contains a semisynthetic penicillin (amoxicillin) and has the potential for producing allergic reactions. If an allergic reaction occurs, administer epinephrine and/or steroids.

WARNINGS: Safety of use in pregnant or breeding animals has not been determined. Store in a dry, cool place at temperatures not above 25°C (77°F). Do not remove from foil strip until ready to use.

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION:

Dogs: The recommended dosage is 6.25 mg/lb of body weight twice a day.

Skin and soft tissue infections such as abscesses, cellulitis, wounds, superficial/juvenile pyoderma, and periodontal infections should be treated for 5–7 days or for 48 hours after all symptoms have subsided. If no response is seen after 5 days of treatment, therapy should be discontinued and the case reevaluated. Deep pyoderma may require treatment for 21 days; the maximum duration of treatment should not exceed 30 days.

Cats: The recommended dosage is 62.5 mg twice a day.

Skin and soft tissue infections such as abscesses and cellulitis/dermatitis should be treated for 5–7 days or for 48 hours after all symptoms have subsided, not to exceed 30 days. If no response is seen after 3 days of treatment, therapy should be discontinued and the case reevaluated.

Urinary tract infections may require treatment for 10–14 days or longer. The maximum duration of treatment should not exceed 30 days.