Ampicillin for Cat
Cat · Felis catus · typical adult weight 2.50–7.00 kg
Ampicillin is used in cat for Surgical prophylaxis, bacteremia. Routes documented in cat: IV. A typical adult cat weighs 2.50–7.00 kg. ExoticRx lists 1 cited dose rule for Ampicillin in cat, drawn from published veterinary references. Verify against current literature before clinical use.
Trade names: Polyflex
Dose ranges
| Route | Dose | Frequency | Duration | Indication | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IV | 22–40 mg/kg | q6-8h | Peri-operative or 7-14 days | Surgical prophylaxis, bacteremia | Strong | Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th Ed |
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These ranges are per kg. Enter your cat's weight to get the precise dose and draw-up volume — unit and concentration math done for you.
Mechanism of action
Inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis by binding to penicillin-binding proteins. Broader spectrum than penicillin G with gram-negative coverage.
Side effects & warnings
CONTRAINDICATED in rabbits, guinea pigs, and hamsters (fatal dysbiosis). May cause GI upset. Cross-reactivity with other beta-lactams. IM injection may be painful.
Species-specific contraindications and adverse-reaction reports for cat may differ from canine / feline reference data — consult the primary citations listed with each rule.
Other Antibiotic drugs with cat dosing
Ampicillin dosing in other species
Why a species-specific page? Ampicillin pharmacokinetics differ across species: dose ranges, intervals, and route preferences are not interchangeable. Cross-extrapolation from canine doses is unsafe in cat — the rules above are the citations specific to this species, not generic recommendations.
Sourced from published veterinary references; awaiting credentialed clinical reviewer. See our editorial process. Reference only — not veterinary advice.