Pet Medication 101: Clindamycin

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: Orbax

Pet Medication 101: Simplicef

Pet Medication 101: Metronidazole

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