Kesium 500 mg / 125 mg Chewable Tablets for Dogs
Amoxicillin, Clavulanic Acid
Last verified
Veterinary medicinal product: chewable tablet. Distribution category: POM-V (Veterinary Medicines Regulations 2013, Schedule 3). Active substance: Amoxicillin, Clavulanic Acid.1
In short: questions and answers
- Does Kesium 500 mg / 125 mg Chewable Tablets for Dogs need a prescription?
- Prescription only. As stated in the registration decision.1
- Which animals is Kesium 500 mg / 125 mg Chewable Tablets for Dogs for?
- Dogs.1
- What is the active substance in Kesium 500 mg / 125 mg Chewable Tablets for Dogs?
- Amoxicillin, Clavulanic Acid. ATCvet code: QJ01CR02.13
- What is the withdrawal period of Kesium 500 mg / 125 mg Chewable Tablets for Dogs according to the leaflet?
- No withdrawal period is set for this drug: it is not intended for food-producing animals.3
- Dispensing
- Prescription only1
POM-V: Prescription Only Medicine - Veterinarian. Supplied only on a prescription written by a veterinary surgeon who has assessed the animal.12
Supplied only on a veterinarian's prescription. As stated in the registration decision.
- Animal species
- Dogs1
- Active substance
- Amoxicillin, Clavulanic Acid
- ATCvet code
- QJ01CR023
- Manufacturer
- Marketing authorisation holder: Ceva Sante Animale
Withdrawal period
No withdrawal period is set for this drug: it is not intended for food-producing animals.3
Summary of product characteristics
Composition
Each tablet contains:
Active substances:
Amoxicillin (as amoxicillin trihydrate) 500.00 mg
Clavulanic acid (as potassium clavulanate) 125.00 mg
Excipients:
| Qualitative composition of excipients and other constituents |
|---|
| Pig liver powder |
| Yeast |
| Crospovidone (type A) |
| Povidone K 25 |
| Hypromellose |
| Microcrystalline cellulose |
| Silica colloidal anhydrous |
| Magnesium stearate |
Clover-shaped scored beige chewable tablet. The tablets can be divided into four equal parts.
Pharmacological properties
4.1 ATCvet code:
QJ01CR02
4.2 Pharmacodynamics
Amoxicillin is a beta-lactam antibiotic and its structure contains the beta-lactam ring and thiazolidine ring common to all penicillins. Amoxicillin shows activity against susceptible Gram-positive bacteria and Gram-negative bacteria.
Beta-lactam antibiotics prevent the bacterial cell wall from forming by interfering with the final stage of peptidoglycan synthesis. They inhibit the activity of transpeptidase enzymes, which catalyse cross-linkage of the glycopeptide polymer units that form the cell wall. They exert a bactericidal action but cause lysis of growing cells only. Clavulanic acid is one of the naturally occurring metabolites of the streptomycete Streptomyces clavuligerus. It has a structural similarity to the penicillin nucleus, including possession of a beta-lactam ring. Clavulanic acid is a beta-lactamase inhibitor acting initially competitively but ultimately irreversibly.
Clavulanic acid will penetrate the bacterial cell wall binding to both extracellular and intracellular beta- lactamases.
Amoxicillin is susceptible to breakdown by β-lactamase and therefore combination with an effective ß-lactamase inhibitor (clavulanic acid) extends the range of bacteria against which it is active to include β-lactamase producing species.
In vitro potentiated amoxicillin is active against a wide range of clinically important aerobic and anaerobic bacteria including:
Gram-positive:
Staphylococcus spp. (including β-lactamase producing strains) Streptococcus spp
Gram-negative:
Escherichia coli (including most β-lactamase producing strains) Pasteurella spp Proteus spp
Resistance is shown among Enterobacter spp, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.
A trend in resistance of E. coli is reported.
4.3 Pharmacokinetics
After oral administration in dogs, amoxicillin and clavulanic acid are rapidly absorbed. Amoxicillin (pKa 2.8) has a relatively small apparent distribution volume, a low plasma protein binding (34% in dogs) and a short terminal half-life due to active tubular excretion via the kidneys. Following absorption the highest concentrations are found in the kidneys (urine) and the bile and then in liver, lungs, heart and spleen. The distribution of amoxicillin to the cerebrospinal fluid is low unless the meninges are inflamed. Clavulanic acid (pKa 2.7) is also well-absorbed following oral administration. The penetration to the cerebrospinal fluid is poor. The plasma protein binding is approximately 25% and the elimination half-life is short. Clavulanic acid is mainly eliminated by renal excretion (unchanged in urine).
After single oral administration of 17 mg/kg amoxicillin and 4.3 mg/kg clavulanic acid in dogs:
- The maximal plasma concentration (Cmax) of amoxicillin (8.6 µg/mL) was observed 1.5 hour following administration.
- The maximal plasma concentration (Cmax) of clavulanic acid (4.9 µg/mL) was observed 54 minutes following administration.
Target species
Dogs
Indications
For the treatment of the following infections caused by β-lactamase producing strains of bacteria sensitive to amoxicillin in combination with clavulanic acid and where clinical experience and/or sensitivity testing indicates the veterinary medicinal product as the drug of choice:
- Skin infections (including superficial and deep pyodermas) associated with Staphylococcus spp.
- Urinary tract infections associated with Staphylococcus spp, Streptococcus spp, Escherichia coli and Proteus mirabilis.
- Respiratory tract infections associated with Staphylococcus spp, Streptococcus spp and
Pasteurella spp.
- Digestive tract infections associated with Escherichia coli.
- Infections of the oral cavity (mucous membrane) associated with Pasteurella spp, Streptococcus spp and Escherichia coli.
Dosage
Oral use.
The recommended dose of the veterinary medicinal product is 10 mg amoxicillin /2.5 mg clavulanic acid per kg body weight twice a day by the oral route in dogs, i.e. 1 tablet per 50 kg body weight every 12 h, according to the following table:
| Body weight (kg) | Number of tablets to be administered twice daily |
|---|---|
| > 9 to 12.5 | ¼ |
| 12.6 to 20 | Use the 200mg / 50mg |
| 20.1 to 25 | ½ |
| 25.1 to 37.5 | ¾ |
| 37.6 to 50 | 1 |
| 50.1 to 62.5 | 1¼ |
| 62.6 to 75 | 1½ |
In refractory cases, the dose may be doubled to 20 mg of amoxicillin / 5 mg clavulanic acid/kg bodyweight twice daily, at the clinician’s discretion.
The chewable tablets are flavoured and are accepted by a majority of dogs. The chewable tablets can be administered directly into the mouth of the animals or added to a small quantity of food.
Duration of therapy The majority of routine cases respond to 5 – 7 days of therapy.
In chronic cases, a longer case of therapy is recommended. In such circumstances overall treatment length must be at the clinician’s discretion, but should be long enough to ensure complete resolution of the bacterial disease.
To ensure the correct dosage, body weight should be determined as accurately as possible.
Instruction on how to divide the tablet: Put the tablet on an even surface, with its scored side facing down (convex face up). With the tip of the forefinger, exert slight vertical pressure on the middle of the tablet to break it along its width into halves. Then, in order to obtain quarters, exert slight pressure on the middle of one half with the forefinger to break it into two parts.
Contraindications
Do not use in cases of hypersensitivity to penicillins, to other substances of the β-lactam group or to any excipients.
Do not use in animals with serious dysfunction of the kidneys accompanied by anuria and oliguria.
Do not administer to gerbils, guinea pigs, hamsters, rabbits and chinchillas. Do not use in horses and ruminating animals.
Do not use where resistance to this combination is known to occur.
Adverse reactions
Dogs Very rare Gastrointestinal signs (e.g. diarrhoea or vomiting) 1 (<1 animal / 10,000 animals Allergic reaction (e.g. allergic skin reaction, treated, including isolated reports anaphylaxis) 2 ):
1 Treatment may be discontinued depending on the severity of the undesirable effects and
a benefit/risk evaluation by the veterinary surgeon.
2 In these cases, administration should be discontinued, and a symptomatic treatment
given.
Reporting adverse events is important. It allows continuous safety monitoring of a veterinary medicinal product. Reports should be sent, preferably via a veterinarian, to either the marketing authorisation holder or the national competent authority via the national reporting system. See the package leaflet for respective contact details.
Warnings
Special precautions for safe use in the target species:
Official, national and regional antimicrobial policies with respect to the use of broad- spectrum antibiotics should be taken into account.
Do not use in case of bacteria sensitive to narrow spectrum penicillins or to amoxicillin as single substance.
It is advised that upon initiating therapy appropriate sensitivity testing is performed and that therapy is continued only after susceptibility to the combination has been established.
Use of the veterinary medicinal product deviating from the instructions given in the SPC may increase the prevalence of bacteria resistant to the amoxicillin/clavulanate, and may decrease the effectiveness of treatment with beta-lactam antibiotics.
In animals with hepatic and renal dysfunction, the dosing regimen should be carefully evaluated and the use of the veterinary medicinal product based on a risk/benefit evaluation by the veterinary surgeon.
Caution is advised in the use in small herbivores other than those in the section 3.3.
The potential for allergic cross-reactions with other penicillin derivates and cephalosporins should be considered.
The chewable tablets are flavoured. In order to avoid any accidental ingestion, store tablets out of reach of the animals.
Special precautions to be taken by the person administering the veterinary medicinal product to animals
Penicillins and cephalosporins may cause hypersensitivity (allergy) following injection, inhalation, ingestion or skin contact. Hypersensitivity to penicillins may lead to cross- reactions to cephalosporins and vice versa. Allergic reactions to these substances may
occasionally be serious.
Do not handle this product if you know you are sensitised, or if you have been advised not to work with such preparations.
Handle this product with great care to avoid exposure, taking all recommended precautions.
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. Wash hands after use.
Special precautions for the protection of the environment:
Not applicable.
3.11 Special restrictions for use and special conditions for use, including restrictions on the use of antimicrobial and antiparasitic veterinary medicinal products in order to limit the risk of development of resistance
Not applicable.
Use during pregnancy, lactation or lay
Pregnancy and lactation:
Laboratory studies in rats and mice have not produced any evidence of teratogenic, foetotoxic or maternotoxic effects.
The safety of the product has not been assessed in pregnant and lactating bitches. In pregnant and lactating animals, use only according to the benefit/risk assessment by the responsible veterinarian.
Interactions
Chloramphenicol, macrolides, sulfonamides and tetracyclines may inhibit the antibacterial effect of penicillins because of the rapid onset of bacteriostatic action.
Penicillins may increase the effect of aminoglycosides.
Overdose
In case of overdose diarrhoea, allergic reactions or further symptoms like central nervous excitation manifestations or cramps could appear. Symptomatic treatment should be initiated when necessary.
Special warnings
None.
Withdrawal period
Not applicable
Incompatibilities
Not applicable
Immediate packaging
(PA-AL-PVC – aluminium heat sealed) containing 6 tablets per blister Cardboard box of 6 tablets.
Cardboard box of 12 tablets.
Cardboard box of 96 tablets.
Cardboard box of 144 tablets.
Cardboard box of 240 tablets.
Cardboard box of 480 tablets.
Not all pack sizes may be marketed.
Storage
Do not store above 25°C.
Divided tablets should be stored in the blister pack.
Shelf life
Shelf-life of the veterinary medicinal product as packaged for sale: 3 years.
Any divided tablet portions remaining after 36 hours should be discarded.
Disposal of unused product
Medicines should not be disposed of via wastewater.
Use take-back schemes for the disposal of any unused veterinary medicinal product or waste materials derived thereof in accordance with local requirements and with any national collection systems applicable to the veterinary medicinal product concerned.
Additional information
Vm 14966/5067 Vm 14966/3066
8 DATE OF FIRST AUTHORISATION
24 October 2013
9 DATE OF THE LAST REVISION OF THE SUMMARY OF THE PRODUCT CHARACTERISTICS
November 2025
10 CLASSIFICATION OF VETERINARY MEDICINAL PRODUCT
Veterinary medicinal product subject to prescription.
Find more product information by searching for the ‘Product Information Database’ on www.gov.uk.
Gavin Hall Approved: 03 November 2025
Registration holder
Ceva Sante Animale
Regulations
- Veterinary Medicines Regulations 2013 (SI 2013/2033), Schedule 32
Sources
- VMD Product Information Database: Kesium 500 mg / 125 mg Chewable Tablets for Dogs, 14966/5067
- The Veterinary Medicines Regulations 2013, Schedule 3 (categories of veterinary medicinal products)
- Summary of Product Characteristics: Kesium 500 mg / 125 mg Chewable Tablets for Dogs
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