Pet Medication 101: Clindamycin
It’s important to understand a medication’s uses and side effects before giving it to your pet. This medication info sheet is meant to give you a good understanding of what clindamycin is used for, how it works, and potential side effects in cats and dogs. Always consult a veterinarian before giving your pet any medication.
1. Drug Name:
Clindamycin
2. Brand Names:
Antirobe, Clinicaps, Clinitabs, Antirobe Aquadrops, Clindacure, Clindadrops
3. How Dispensed:
Prescription-only
4. Forms:
Tablets 25mg, Tablets 75mg, Tablets 150mg, Capsules 25mg, Capsules 75mg, Capsules 150mg, Capsules 300mg, Oral Suspension 25mg/ml
5. Drug Type/Class:
Lincosamide or Lincomycin antibiotic
6. Uses in Dogs and Cats:
Clindamycin is an antibiotic used to treat a wide range of gram-positive and anaerobic infections including wounds, abscesses, and osteomyelitis. It also works against certain strains of Clostridium (like Clostridium tetani) and various protozoa (like Toxoplasma)
7. How it Works:
Clindamycin inhibits protein synthesis by binding to the ribosomal subunit of susceptible bacteria.
8. Side Effects and/or Signs of Overdose:
There are rarely reported cases of overdosage since clindamycin is well tolerated even at high dosages. However, diarrhea, vomiting, ataxia, and weight loss have all been seen with this drug.
9. Drug Interactions:
Do not use with Erythromycin or Chloramphenicol. Clindamycin should be used with caution with other neuromuscular blocking agents.
10. Cautionary Statements:
Clindamycin should be avoided in patients with colitis, liver disease, or kidney dysfunction.
Read more:
Pet Medication 101: Metronidazole
Need to speak with a veterinarian regarding your pet’s antibiotics or another condition?
Click here to schedule a video consult to speak to one of our vets. You can also download the FirstVet app from the Apple App Store and Google Play Stores.
Low-cost video vet consultations, 24 hours a day
