Amoxicillin

Amoxicillin

Amoxicillin is a semi-synthetic broad-spectrum antibiotic belonging to the penicillin group, widely used in veterinary medicine for the treatment of bacterial infections in livestock, poultry, and aquatic animals.

1. Characteristics and Mechanism of Action

• Amoxicillin works by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis, leading to bacterial lysis and death.

• It is highly effective against Gram-positive bacteria (e.g., Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, Clostridium) and many Gram-negative bacteria (e.g., E. coli, Salmonella, Pasteurella, Haemophilus).

• It is well absorbed orally, with high bioavailability, and distributes well into tissues and body fluids.

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2. Applications in Animal Health

Livestock (cattle, pigs, goats, sheep):

• Treats diseases such as pneumonia, enteritis, septicemia, mastitis, arthritis, and postpartum infections.

• Prevents and treats respiratory and digestive infections in piglets and calves.

Poultry (chickens, ducks, geese, etc.):

• Used for treating CRD (Chronic Respiratory Disease), fowl cholera, enteritis, diarrhea caused by E. coli and Salmonella.

• Prevents secondary bacterial infections in immunosuppressed flocks.

Aquatic animals (e.g., pangasius, tilapia, shrimp):

• Treats hemorrhagic septicemia, ulcers, enteritis, exophthalmia, gill rot, and other bacterial infections.

• Commonly mixed into feed for both treatment and prevention in aquaculture.

3. Common Formulations

• Injectable powder: Amoxicillin sodium

• Injectable solution

• Water-soluble or feed-grade powder: Amoxicillin trihydrate

• Premix: For use in industrial feed production

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4. Dosage and Administration (for reference only)

• Poultry: 10–20 mg/kg body weight/day in drinking water for 3–5 consecutive days.

• Livestock: 10–15 mg/kg body weight/day via intramuscular injection or oral administration.

• Aquaculture: 30–50 mg/kg body weight/day, mixed with feed for 5–7 consecutive days.

(Dosage may vary depending on the manufacturer and the clinical condition — follow product-specific instructions.)

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5. Precautions and Withdrawal Times

• Do not use in animals allergic to penicillin.

• Do not combine with aminoglycosides or tetracyclines in the same treatment.

• Withdrawal times:

  • Meat: 7–14 days depending on species

  • Eggs: 3–5 days

  • Aquatic species: 14–21 days prior to harvest

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Conclusion

Amoxicillin is a safe, effective, and widely-used antibiotic in veterinary medicine, helping to control common bacterial diseases, improve animal health, and enhance farm productivity.