Clindamycin (Generic)

What is Clindamycin?
Clindamycin is an oral antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections. It also kills some protozoa.

Who is it for?
Clindamycin is commonly used for dogs, cats, and ferrets.

What are the benefits?

Clindamycin is a prescription broad-spectrum antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections of the skin, mouth and bones caused by susceptible bacteria. It also treats certain protozoan infections such as toxoplasmosis and babesiosis.

How does Clindamycin work?
It prevents bacteria from producing proteins that are essential to their growth and reproduction. It therefore stops the spread of infection, allowing the body's immune system to kill the bacteria. At higher doses it can actually kill the bacteria.

Is there a generic equivalent available?
This medication is a generic clindamycin.

How is it given?
Clindamycin is given orally. If using a tablet or pill form, you must make sure your pet swallows some water after taking the medication, or the medication may cause damage to the esophagus. Do not use milk. Cats should have at least a teaspoon of water. Try offering your cat water flavored with tuna water or other liquid your cat likes.

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, even if your pet appears well. If the entire course of treatment is not given, the infection may recur or worsen.

What results can I expect?
Clindamycin is rapidly absorbed from the digestive system and is distributed to many body tissues, making it effective against infections in multiple organs. It is active against many different types of bacteria. It is usually given twice a day for a number of days. If doses are missed or the entire treatment regimen is not completed, the infection could recur or worsen. Consult your veterinarian if the animal's condition does not improve or worsens after beginning treatment with clindamycin.

What form(s) does it come in?
This medication comes in liquid, tablet, and capsule form.

Please click on "More Information" for possible drug and food interactions with this medication.

Brand Name
Antirobe

Pronunciation
klin-da-MYE-sin

Common Drug Name
Clindamycin

What should I discuss with my veterinarian while considering Clindamycin?
Talk to your veterinarian about what tests and exams may be necessary while your pet is taking clindamycin. Also discuss how long the treatment period will be and what type of outcome is expected.

Tell your veterinarian if your pet has liver or kidney diseases, may be pregnant or is nursing, or if you intend to breed your pet.

Notify your veterinarian of any other medications or supplements your pet is taking, and also if your pet has had any reactions to previous medications.

What should I do if I miss a dose?
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 two doses at once.

What is the most important information I should know?
Follow your veterinarian's directions and give the full course of Clindamycin as prescribed. Consult your veterinarian if the animal's condition does not improve or worsens after beginning treatment with Clindamycin.

If using a tablet or pill form, you must make sure your pet swallows some water after taking the medication.

Who should not take it?
Do not use in animals that are hypersensitive (allergic) to Clindamycin or related antibiotics. Use with caution in animals with liver or kidney disease, and atopic animals (pets with allergies that cause skin problems).

Clindamycin crosses the placenta, and its safety in pregnant or breeding animals has not been determined. 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.

Do not use in horses, rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas, hamsters or ruminating animals.

This medication should only be given to the pet for which it was prescribed.

What side effects may be seen when taking Clindamycin?
You 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.

How is it stored?
Store capsules and oral solution at room temperature in a tight, light-resistant childproof container. Keep out of reach of children and pets.

What should I do if I know of or suspect there has been an 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.

What should I avoid when giving my pet Clindamycin?
Consult your veterinarian before using clindamycin with vitamins and supplements, erythromycin or cyclosporine, since interactions may occur.

Where is more information available?
Ask your veterinarian, consult with one of our pharmacists at 1-800-447-3021, or see the Patient Information Sheet on this medication.