Clindamycin is a broad-spectrum lincosamide antibiotic. It is efficacious against gram-positive aerobic bacteria (including mostStaphylococcusandStreptococci spp), anaerobic bacteria, and some protozoal infections (includingToxoplasma). Clindamycin is approved by the FDA for use in dogs and cats with the following label indications: wounds, abscesses, and osteomyelitis (Staph aureus).
Clindamycin may be either bacteriostatic, or bactericidal depending on drug concentration at the site of infection. It is well distributed and penetrates bone, joints, pleura, peritoneal fluid, the heart, and abscesses. Clindamycin crosses the blood brain barrier and is present in the CNS at about 40% serum levels if there is concurrent meningeal inflammation. Clindamycin is well absorbed orally and is partially metabolized in the liver. It is excreted in urine, feces, and bile.
Description
Clindamycin (brand names Antirobe®, Cleocin®, ClinDrops®, Clintabs®) is an antibiotic used to treat a range of bacterial infections in dogs and cats. It is often used to treat wounds, pyoderma, abscesses, bone and dental infections, and toxoplasmosis. Its use to treat certain infections, such as toxoplasmosis, is ‘off label’ or ‘extra-label’. Many drugs are commonly prescribed for off label use in veterinary medicine. In these instances, follow your veterinarian’s directions and cautions very carefully.
Application
Clindamycin is available in an oral liquid, tablets, and capsules. It may be given with or without food, but never give this medication as a dry pill. Give with a moist treat or small amount of liquid. If the pill becomes lodged in the throat or esophagus, it may cause ulcers. Clindamycin has a very bitter taste, so you may need to disguise the medication in food in order for your pet to take it. This medication will take effect quickly, in about 1 to 2 hours, but visible effects may take a few days to be recognized.
Side Effects
- Gastrointestinal upset including vomiting, diarrhea, and possibly bloody diarrhea. These side effects appear to be due to local GI irritation. Injectable clindamycin does not cause GI distress.
- Esophagitis, esophageal stricture, and hypersalivation. Clindamycin should be given with food to minimize the possibility of esophageal injury.
- Localized pain associated with injection.
Precautions
- Animals with severe kidney or liver dysfunction should be given this drug with caution and may need to receive a lower dose.
- Clindamycin crosses the placenta and is present in milk. Nursing puppies or kittens may develop diarrhea.
- Clostridial overgrowth with pseudomembranous colitis has been reported in humans. It has not been reported in dogs and cats.
- Clindamycin should not be used in horses due to the potential for diarrhea andC. difficilovergrowth. There are isolated reports of its use in very young foals for the treatment of susceptible osteomyelitis.
Dosage
Clindamycin is available as a tablet, a capsule, and an oral liquid. The recommended dosage amount varies depending on the infection, so follow your veterinarian’s dosage instructions carefully. As a general guide,daily dosage amountsrange from 5 mg to 30 mg per pound, with this amount often split into two doses a day.
Dosage instructions
Administer clindamycin according to your veterinarian’s instructions. Clindamycin can be given with or without food. If given as a pill, be sure to provide access to fresh water to ensure that it doesn’t become lodged in the esophagus and cause ulcers. Clindamycin also has quite a bitter taste, so you may need to disguise it with food to ensure that your pet swallows the medication. Your veterinarian can offer advice on effective ways to get your dog to take their medication.
If giving this medication in liquid form, make sure to measure out the dose carefully. Finally, check how long your veterinarian wants you to continue giving clindamycin to your dog so you can follow the recommended dosage schedule.
Specification
- Drug Name: Clindamycin
- Common Name: Antirobe®
- Drug Type: Antibiotic, Anti-protozoal
- Used For: Bacterial infections
- Species: Dogs, Cats
- Administered: Oral liquid, 25mg tablets, 150mg capsules
- How Dispensed: Prescription only
- FDA Approved: Yes
Prices of Clindamycin For Dogs
$18.99 – $60.00