Chickens (excluding laying birds).

Octacillin® is indicated for the treatment of primary infections in chickens and secondary infections, which arise following viral or mycoplasmal infection or following the use of some live viral vaccines. Amoxicillin is active against some Gram-negative and most Gram-positive bacteria e.g. penicillin sensitive Staphylococci, Streptococci, Pasteurella spp., Clostridium spp., Salmonella spp., Haemophilis paragallinarum and E. Coli.

Not effective against beta-lactamase producing organisms.

Do not administer to animals sensitive to penicillin.

Do not use in rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, gerbils or any other small herbivores.

Allergic reactions may be observed occasionally in sensitive individuals.

None.

Not for use in laying birds.

Amoxicillin exerts its bactericidal action by inhibition of bacterial cell wall synthesis during multiplication. It is therefore in principle not compatible with bacteriostatic antibiotics (e.g. tetracyclines) which inhibit multiplication. Synergism occurs with ß-lactam antibiotics and aminoglycosides.

The recommended dosage is 10-20 mg/kg live weight Octacillin® powder (8-16 mg/kg amoxicillin trihydrate) per day administered in the drinking water. The higher dose is advised when treating severe infections. Treatment should be given for a period of 3-5 consecutive days. The following formula may be used to calculate the amount of Octacillin® required per day:

If the required amount of Octacillin® is calculated by the total daily water intake, the following is a guide:

It is recommended that Octacillin® be administered once daily in the drinking water. It is advisable to restrict drinking water for approximately 2 hours (less in hot weather) prior to medication. The use of suitably calibrated weighing equipment for the administration of the calculated amount of Octacillin® is recommended. The calculated total daily amount of powder is scattered onto the surface of 5-10 litres of clean water and stirred until evenly dispersed. This solution is then added, whilst stirring, into an amount of drinking water that will be consumed within approximately 2 hours. Maximum solubility of Octacillin® in water is approximately 6 g/litre.

If, however, continuous medication is preferred then the drinking water should be refreshed with medicated water at least twice daily. In all cases ensure that there is no access to unmedicated water whilst medicated water is being offered. When all medicated water has been consumed, turn on the normal water supply again. Any unused medicated water should be discarded after 12 hours.

Amoxicillin is a compound with a very high therapeutic ratio. It is very unlikely that an overdose of Octacillin® will have adverse effects on the treated animal. No specific treatment or antidote is recommended.

None.

Meat: 24 hours from last treatment

Eggs: not intended for use in laying birds

Penicillins and cephalosporins may cause hypersensitivity (allergy) following injection, inhalation, ingestion or skin contact. Hypersensitivity to penicillins may cause cross reactions to cephalosporins and vice versa. Allergic reactions to these substances may occasionally be serious.

1.Do not handle this product if you know you are sensitised or if you have been advised not to work with such preparations.

2.Handle this product with great care to avoid exposure, taking all recommended precautions. Wear protective clothing, impervious gloves and either a disposable half mask respirator conforming to European Standard EN149 or a non-disposable respirator conforming to European Standard EN140 with a filter to EN 143 when mixing and handling the product. Wash hands immediately after handling the product.

3. If you develop symptoms following exposure, such as a skin rash, you should seek medical advice and show the doctor this warning. Swelling of the face, lips or eyes or difficulty with breathing are more serious symptoms and require urgent medical attention.