Clindamycin
(Antirobe, Cleocin)
Common Drug Name
Clindamycin
Common Brand Names
Antirobe (veterinary form) Cleocin (human form)
Generic products are available.
Storage
Store capsules and oral solution at room temperature in a tight, light resistant childproof container. Once the human-label oral suspension is reconstituted (the powder is mixed with water), store at room temperature (do not refrigerate) and use within 14 days.
Uses
Clindamycin is in the lincosamide class of antibiotics, and also kills some protozoa.
Dogs: It is used for the treatment of infections with certain bacteria, especially Staph; and protozoa, including Toxoplasma, Neospora, Babesia, and Hepatozoon.
Cats: It is used for the treatment of infections with certain bacteria and
Toxoplasma.
Ferrets: It is used for the treatment of susceptible infections.
Do NOT use clindamycin in rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas, or hamsters since it will affect the normal bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract and possibly cause a fatal diarrhea.
Dose and Administration
Always follow the dosage instructions provided by your veterinarian. If you have difficulty giving the medication, contact your veterinarian.
Use all of the medication prescribed. If not given the entire course of treatment, the infection may recur or worsen.
Duration of treatment depends on reason for and response to treatment.
If you miss a dose, give it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to the regular schedule. Do not give 2 doses at once.
This medication should only be given to the pet for whom it was prescribed.
Possible Side Effects
May see vomiting, diarrhea, or lack of appetite. Diarrhea may be bloody. Consult your veterinarian if you notice any of these side effects or if your pet does not show signs of improvement or worsens after several days of treatment.
If your pet experiences an allergic reaction to the medication, signs may include facial swelling, hives, scratching, sudden onset of diarrhea, vomiting, shock, seizures, pale gums, cold limbs, or coma. If you observe any of these signs, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Precautions
Do not use in animals who are hypersensitive (allergic) to lincosamide antibiotics.
Use with caution in animals with liver or kidney disease.
Use with caution in atopic animals (pets with allergies that cause skin problems).
Clindamycin crosses the placenta, and it is advised not to use it in pregnant animals, although no detrimental results to fetuses have been reported.
Use with caution in lactating animals (female animals nursing their young). Clindamycin passes in the mother’s milk, so nursing puppies, kittens, or kits may develop diarrhea.
Use with caution in cats with toxoplasmosis in the lungs.
Consult with your veterinarian regarding the physical examinations and laboratory testing necessary if the medication is used longterm (more than 14 days in cats and ferrets, and 28 days in dogs).
Drug, Food, and Test Interactions
Consult your veterinarian before using clindamycin with vitamins and supplements, erythromycin or chloramphenicol, since interactions may occur.
No known food interactions.
Signs of Toxicity/Overdose
May see vomiting, lack of appetite, weight loss, or diarrhea.
If you know or suspect your pet has had an overdose, or if you observe any of these signs in your pet, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Keep this and all other medications out of the reach of children and pets.
This information may not cover all possible uses, directions, side effects, precautions, allergic reactions, drug interactions, or withdrawal times. Always consult your own veterinarian for specific advice concerning the treatment of your pet.
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