Cat penicillin: uses, doses and side effects

Cat penicillin is an antibiotic medicine derived from Penicillium fungi. It is under the kind of beta-lactam antibiotics and is mainly used to treat bacterial infections. The medicine interrupts the process of construction of the bacterial cell wall, which finally kills bacteria. Being one of the oldest types of available antibiotics, penicillin has played a vital role in veterinary medicine due to its effectiveness and general safety when used correctly.

This is what you should know about the uses, dose and side effects of cat penicillin.

Cat penicillin uses

Penicillin is used to treat a variety of bacterial infections in cats. It is particularly effective against gram-positive bacteria, such as Staphylococcus, Streptococcus and Clostridium species, but can also treat some gram-negative bacterial infections. Common infections treated with penicillin include skin infections, respiratory infections, urinary tract infections and some types of gastrointestinal infections. It is also used to prevent feline infection with wounds or after surgery. In addition to these common uses, veterinarians can use penicillin as part of the treatment for more serious infections, including septicemia (blood poisoning and peritonitis, inflammation of the abdominal lining.

It is worth noting that penicillin V, the approved version for oral use in humans, has not received the approval of the FDA for use in animals. However, in Certain circumstancesVeterinarians have the authority to prescribe medications approved by humans for pets. This is known as “extra labeling use” or “out of label”, indicating that the medication is used in a way not described in its official label. The decision to use this medicine for the specific condition of your pet falls to your veterinarian.

Cat penicillin dose

The next is a guide for the typical drug use in cats and should not replace the advice of your veterinarian for your individual pet.

The dose of cat penicillin depends on several factors, including the type and severity of the infection, the weight of your cat and general health. Penicillin comes in several forms, including injectable solutions and oral tablets or liquid suspensions. A commonly used injectable form – Penicillin G – It can be prescribed In a range of between 10,000 and 25,000 units per pound of body weight, administered two to six times a day. Penicillin G is available in the market with brands such as “Crystacillin®”, “Flo-Cillin®”, “Crystiben®” and “Dual -pen®”. The recommended dose for oral penicillin is 5 to 10 mg per pound of body weight, once a day.

The duration of treatment generally varies from seven to 14 days, but in some cases, longer treatments may be necessary. It is crucial to complete the complete course of antibiotics as prescribed by its veterinarian, even if your cat seems to have recovered. Not doing so can lead to antibiotic resistance, which makes bacteria more difficult to treat in the future.

The proper storage of penicillin is important. Oral tablets must be kept in a cool and dry place, far from sunlight, preferably at a controlled temperature between 68-77 ° F. Injectable solutions may require refrigeration. Always verify the storage requirements on the medication label or consult with your veterinarian.

Side effects of penicillin for cats

While penicillin is generally safe for cats, some may experience side effects. These side effects are usually mild, but in rare cases, more serious reactions can occur. Side effects may include:

In case of an allergic reaction, it is essential to seek veterinary attention immediately. Other less common side effects may include changes in behavior or seizures, although these are extremely rare. Long -term or repeated use of penicillin can also lead to a secondary infection due to the alteration of normal intestinal flora.

Penicillin can interact with some medications, including certain antibiotics, as well as medications such as methotrexate and probenecid. Before starting penicillin treatment, be sure to reveal your cat’s full medical history to your veterinarian. This includes any allergic reaction to penicillin or other antibiotics, since this can significantly influence the choice of medication. In addition, it is important to exercise additional caution when administering antibiotics to pregnant or breastfeeding cats.

If you lose a dose of penicillin for your cat, talk to your veterinarian to obtain guidance. In general, they could advise you to manage the lost dose as soon as you remember. However, if the time is close to the next scheduled dose of your pet, it is possible to be indicated to jump to the regular dosing regime. It is important to avoid giving additional or double doses.