Synulox 50 mg tablets are a widely used antibacterial medication designed for the treatment of various bacterial infections in dogs and cats. This guide provides detailed information on its composition, pharmacological properties, indications, dosage, administration, and storage, drawing from the provided product information.
Composition and Formulation
Synulox 50 mg is presented as round, pink tablets, each featuring a dividing groove on one side and the inscription “Synulox” on the other. Each tablet contains 40 mg of amoxicillin in the form of amoxicillin trihydrate and 10 mg of clavulanic acid as sodium clavulanate. The medication is packaged in foil strips of 10 tablets, which are then placed in cardboard boxes. This formulation is produced in the USA by Zoetis.
Pharmacological Properties
The efficacy of Synulox lies in its combination of amoxicillin and clavulanic acid. Amoxicillin is a semi-synthetic penicillin antibiotic with a broad spectrum of activity. It exhibits rapid bactericidal effects against a wide range of Gram-positive bacteria (such as Streptococcus spp., Staphylococcus spp., and Corynebacterium spp.) and Gram-negative bacteria (including Escherichia coli, Salmonella, Bordetella bronchiseptica, Proteus spp., Pasteurella, and Klebsiella). Importantly, it remains effective against strains that produce beta-lactamase.
Beta-lactamase is an enzyme produced by some microorganisms that can inactivate penicillin-type antibiotics by destroying their beta-lactam ring. Clavulanic acid, the second component of Synulox, acts as a beta-lactamase inhibitor. By inactivating this enzyme, clavulanic acid effectively restores the sensitivity of beta-lactamase-producing bacteria to the bactericidal action of amoxicillin. This synergistic action allows amoxicillin to reach therapeutic concentrations within animal tissues after administration, ensuring effective treatment.
Indications for Use
Synulox 50 mg tablets are indicated for the treatment of bacterial infections in dogs and cats. These infections can affect various systems, including:
- Skin and Soft Tissues: This encompasses conditions such as abscesses, pyoderma (bacterial skin infections), inflammation of the paranasal glands, gingivitis (gum inflammation), and stomatitis (mouth inflammation).
- Respiratory Tract Infections: Bacterial infections affecting both the upper and lower respiratory tracts.
- Genitourinary System Diseases: Infections within the urinary tract and reproductive system.
- Enteritis: Bacterial inflammation of the intestines.
Dosage and Administration
Synulox 50 mg tablets are administered orally to sick animals. They can be given directly or crushed and mixed with food. The standard dosage is 12.5 mg of the active components (amoxicillin and clavulanic acid) per kilogram of the animal’s body weight, administered twice daily for a period of 5 to 7 days.
For instance, for a dog or cat weighing 4 kg, the recommended daily dose would be 50 mg of the active components, which equates to one Synulox 50 mg tablet per day. This would typically be divided into two administrations.
In cases of severe or difficult-to-treat infections, particularly those involving the respiratory system, the dosage can be increased up to 25 mg per kilogram of body weight, administered twice daily, or the intervals between administrations can be reduced.
For chronic or persistent diseases, especially those with significant tissue damage, a longer duration of therapy is often recommended. This includes:
- Chronic skin diseases and chronic cystitis: 10 to 28 days of treatment.
- Respiratory diseases: 8 to 10 days of treatment.
Side Effects and Contraindications
Hypersensitive animals may experience allergic reactions to Synulox. However, when used at the recommended dosage and according to instructions, side effects are generally not observed.
Synulox is contraindicated in animals with known hypersensitivity to its components. Similar to other penicillin antibiotics, Synulox should not be administered to rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, and gerbils. Extreme caution is advised when using the drug in other small herbivore species.
Special Instructions and Storage
There are no specific special precautions mentioned, with the exception of the contraindications for certain small mammals. The use of Synulox is not indicated for Pseudomonas infections. Synulox 50 mg tablets can serve as an effective alternative to injectable antibiotics for the treatment of small animals.
The tablets should be stored in a dry place, out of reach of children, at a temperature not exceeding 25°C. The shelf life of the product is 2 years.
The use of Synulox 50 mg tablets offers a convenient and effective means of combating bacterial infections in dogs and cats, contributing to their health and recovery. Free shipping is available to the USA and UK.