Site Accessibility Features: Skip to page menus
Site Menus Section Skip to page content
Paws, Purrs & Exotics Animal Hospital
![]()
Amoxicillin (brand names: Amoxil®, Amoxi-Tabs®, Amoxi- Drop®, Bimox®, Moxatag®, Novamoxin®) is an aminopenicillin antibiotic used to treat certain bacterial infections. Most commonly it is used to treat skin, respiratory, and urinary tract infections.
It is used off label (extra label) to treat certain bacterial infections in cats, dogs, ferrets, birds, and reptiles. Many drugs are commonly prescribed for off-label use in veterinary medicine. “Off label” means the drug is being used in a way that has not been reviewed or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or Health Canada. In these instances, follow your veterinarian’s directions and cautions carefully, as they may be significantly different from those on the label.
This medication will take effect quickly, in about 1 to 2 hours. While effects may not be noted outwardly, gradual improvements are usually noticeable after a few days.
If you miss a dose, give it as soon as you remember, and then continue with the regular dosing schedule. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume the regular dosing schedule. Do not give the pet two doses at once.
Common side effects include:
Serious adverse reactions may occur. If any of the following signs develop, stop giving amoxicillin and contact your veterinarian immediately: :
Drug sensitivities can develop over time, with repeated exposure. Your pet may have no reaction after the first few doses but may develop a sensitivity later. It is important to watch for signs of an allergic reaction over the entire course of treatment.
Other side effects may occur. If you notice anything unusual, contact your veterinarian immediately. This short-acting medication should stop working within 24 hours, although effects can be longer in pets with liver or kidney disease.
DO NOT USE amoxicillin in
USE WITH CAUTION in
Do not give by mouth to pets with a blood infection, shock, or other grave illnesses, is it will likely be ineffective.
The following medications should be used with caution when given with amoxicillin:
Amoxicillin may also interact with certain urine glucose tests and cause false positive results. Be sure to tell your veterinarian about any medications (including vitamins, supplements, or herbal therapies) that your pet is taking before starting any treatment.
If you suspect an overdose or an adverse reaction to the medication, call your veterinary office immediately. If they are not available, follow their directions in contacting an emergency facility. Be prepared to provide information about the product and your pet's weight and symptoms.
© Copyright 2025 LifeLearn Inc. Used and/or modified with permission under license. This content written by LifeLearn Animal Health (LifeLearn Inc.) is licensed to this practice for the personal use of our clients. Any copying, printing or further distribution is prohibited without the express written consent of LifeLearn. This content does not contain all available information for any referenced medications and has not been reviewed by the FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine, or Health Canada Veterinary Drugs Directorate. This content may help answer commonly asked questions, but is not a substitute for medical advice, or a proper consultation and/or clinical examination of your pet by a veterinarian. Please contact your veterinarian if you have any questions or concerns about your pet’s health. Last updated on Mar 19, 2025.
Site Sidebar: Skip to end of sidebar
Search Articles
Filter By Language
View All
Phone: 703-549-7297 Fax: 703-549-2163 Email: info@pawspurrsandexotics.com
5838-A North Kings Highway Alexandria, VA 22303
Monday: 8am-7pm (Doctor’s available 10am-7pm) Tues-Fri: 8am-5pm (Doctor’s available 10am-5pm) Saturday: 9am-12pm
Get DirectionsIf your pet is experiencing an emergency during business hours, please give us a call at 703-549-7297, to see if we can accommodate you.
After-Hours Emergency© 2025 Paws, Purrs & Exotics Animal Hospital. Powered by LifeLearn Veterinary Websites