Clindamycin
“This page provides important general information for pet owners whose animals have been prescribed Clindamycin in Perth during a consultation by Dr Noor.”
Key Information
Important note: This handout is meant to address questions people often ask. It does not include every detail that exists about this medicine. It also does not replace guidance from your veterinary care team.
- Clindamycin is a germ-fighting medicine used for certain infections caused by some bacteria and some protozoal parasites (tiny parasites).
- If you are giving tablets or capsules, you must give them with food or with water. If a tablet or capsule stays stuck in the throat and does not reach the stomach, it can injure the throat or the tube that carries food to the stomach.
- This medicine tastes extremely bitter. Hiding tablets or capsules inside a strongly scented food may help your pet take it.
- Side effects that are often seen include throwing up, loose stools, eating less than usual, extra drool, and repeated lip licking.
- Do not give this medicine to rabbits, guinea pigs, rodents, or other small “pocket pets.” In these animals, it can cause severe gut problems that can be fatal.
- You must give the full prescribed treatment course, even if your pet seems improved.
Description
- This medicine belongs to a group of antibiotics called lincosamides.
- It comes as tablets, capsules, and liquid taken by mouth.
Other common names
- Antirobe
- Cleocin
- ClindaCure
- ClindaMed
- Clinsol
- Clintabs
- ZydaClin
Uses
Approved uses in animals
- Used to treat bacterial infections of the skin, wounds, and mouth/teeth in dogs and cats.
- Used to treat bacterial infections of the bones in dogs.
Other possible uses (when your veterinarian decides it is appropriate)
- May be used in other animal species or for other infections, including other bacterial infections or protozoal infections in dogs, cats, and other species.
Before this Clindamycin medication is given
No medicine is completely safe for every patient. Talk with your veterinarian about:
- Any other medicines or supplements your animal is currently receiving.
- Any health problems your animal has now, or has had before.
- Any unwanted reactions your animal has had to medicines in the past.
- What the risks may be if your animal is pregnant or nursing.
Warnings for animals
Do not use in:
- Animals that have had an allergic reaction to this medicine, or to other lincosamide antibiotics such as lincomycin.
- Rabbits, guinea pigs, rodents, or other pocket pets, because this medicine can cause deadly gut problems in these species.
Use with caution in:
Animals with serious liver or kidney disease.
Animals that are pregnant or nursing.
If your animal needs this medicine for a long time, your veterinarian may need to do regular blood tests to monitor kidney and liver function.
Some animal sports or competitions do not allow certain medicines. If your animal competes, check the rules while your animal is taking this medicine.
Warnings for humans
- Wash your hands after you handle any medicine.
- If you are allergic to lincosamide antibiotics, wear gloves or do not handle this medicine.
How do I give this medication?
- Give this medicine exactly the way your veterinarian ordered it. Always follow the directions printed on the prescription label.
- Tablets and capsules must be given with food or with water. If a tablet or capsule gets stuck before it reaches the stomach, it can harm the throat or the tube that carries food to the stomach.
- Because the taste is very bitter, placing tablets or capsules inside a strongly scented food may make dosing easier.
- For liquid forms, measure the dose with an oral syringe, a medicine cup, or a dosing spoon. Do not use kitchen spoons or other household measuring tools.
Side effects
Common — call your veterinarian if these problems are strong, keep happening, or get worse over time:
- Vomiting, diarrhea, or reduced appetite.
- Drooling or lip smacking.
Severe — stop giving the medicine and contact your veterinarian right away if you notice:
- Bloody diarrhea.
- Difficulty swallowing or eating.
- A complete refusal to eat.
How will I know it's working?
- Most animals begin to seem better within 1 to 2 days.
- Call your veterinary clinic if your animal’s symptoms get worse or do not start improving.
How long will the medication effects last?
- After the final dose, this medicine stops working within 24 hours.
- If your animal’s kidneys or liver do not work as well, the effects may continue longer.
How long do I give it for?
- The length of treatment can differ depending on the situation. Give it for the full time your veterinarian instructs. You may need another fill of the prescription.
- It is important to finish the entire course of treatment, even if your animal starts feeling better.
Overdose
- If you see an overdose happen, or you think one may have happened, contact your veterinarian or a pet poison helpline right away (a consultation fee applies).
- If you can, have the medicine container or label available.
Missed dose
In most situations, if you forget a dose:
- Give the dose as soon as you remember, and then go back to the usual schedule.
If it is almost time for the next dose:
Do not give the missed dose.
Give the next dose at the regular scheduled time.
Continue with the normal schedule.
If you are not sure what to do, call your veterinary clinic. Do not give two doses at once and do not give extra doses.
Storage
- Keep this medicine in its original container at room temperature.
- Store it where children and animals cannot reach it.
Disposal
- Do not put this medicine into the toilet and do not pour it down a sink.
Ways to get rid of unused or expired medicine include:
Medication take-back locations: This is the best option when available. To locate one, contact local law enforcement or your local waste management office.
At-home disposal: Combine the medicine with coffee grounds or kitty litter, place the mixture into a sealed plastic bag, and put it in the trash.
Do not keep leftover medicine for later use and do not give it to anyone else.
Questions?
Talk to your veterinarian.
“Disclaimer: The information on this page is provided as general educational material only. Every animal’s health situation is unique, and treatment decisions must be based on a full veterinary assessment. Always follow the specific instructions given during your consultation, and contact the prescribing veterinarian if you have any concerns.”