ExoticRx · exoticrx.com/drugs/amoxicillin
Amoxicillin
Amoxi-Tabs, Amoxil
Contraindicated in Rabbit, Guinea Pig
- Rabbit: Oral beta-lactams cause fatal dysbiosis in rabbitsOral amoxicillin (and other oral beta-lactams) selectively destroy gram-positive hindgut flora in rabbits, allowing Clostridium spiroforme overgrowth and fatal enterotoxemia. Never administer oral beta-lactams to rabbits. Parenteral cephalosporins are safe.
- Guinea Pig: Oral beta-lactams cause fatal dysbiosis in guinea pigsOral amoxicillin reliably causes Clostridium difficile-mediated fatal enterotoxemia in guinea pigs. Same mechanism as in rabbits. Parenteral cephalosporins are safe.
Drug Class
Routes
Indications
Mechanism of Action
Inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis by binding to penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs).
Side effects & warnings
CONTRAINDICATED in rabbits, guinea pigs, and hamsters (fatal dysbiosis). May cause GI upset. Cross-reactivity with other beta-lactams.
Species with Amoxicillin dosing data (19 dose rules)
Species references:All African Grey Parrot drugsAll Bearded Dragon drugsAll Cat (Domestic) drugsAll Cattle (Beef/Dairy) drugsAll Dog (Domestic) drugsAll Ferret drugsAll Horse (Equine) drugsAll Pet Rat drugsAll Swine (Pig) drugs
Evidence levels across 19 dose rules
Each ExoticRx dose rule is graded by the strength of its primary evidence — see the editorial process.
Backed by 5 published sources
- · Carpenter 6e
- · Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed
- · FARAD Withdrawal Guidelines
- · ISCAID UTI Guidelines; Plumb's 9th Ed
- · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th Ed
Sample dosing (2 of 19 cited rules)
A dog/cat sample is shown here. Cited dosing for all 9 species — reptiles, birds, pocket pets, livestock, and equine — is free on the per-species pages above. Pro adds the weight-based calculator for every species.
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View PlansOther formulations of Amoxicillin
Articles mentioning Amoxicillin
- Antibiotic Selection in Exotic Animals: Principles and PitfallsHow to choose an antibiotic for rabbits, guinea pigs, parrots, and reptiles — with the species-specific contraindications general practice reaches for first by reflex.
- Guinea Pig Drug Dosing: A Vet Quick ReferenceAntibiotic, analgesic, and antifungal dosing for Cavia porcellus — and why they're not just small rabbits.
- Rabbit Drug Dosing: A Vet's Quick ReferenceAntibiotic, analgesic, and antiparasitic dosing for domestic rabbits — and the oral antibiotics you must never reach for.
- Rabbit GI Stasis: A Bedside ProtocolWhat to do, in order, in the first 60 minutes when a rabbit presents with anorexia and reduced fecal output. Analgesia, fluids, prokinetics, force-feeding, and the decision tree for when to image and when to refer.
- Bearded Dragon Drug Dosing: Vet Reference GuideAntibiotic, antiparasitic, and analgesic dosing notes for Pogona vitticeps — and what reptile physiology means for the drugs you reach for first.
More Antibiotic drugs
Source citations and evidence levels available on the live page. Reference only — verify against current literature before clinical use.