CONTRIBUTOR(S): Vetstream Ltd, Gigi Davidson,
Medication: Clindamycin
Medication: Clindamycin
Your cat has been prescribed the active ingredient clindamycin to treat a bacterial infection.
Key points:
• Antibiotic.
• Dosage: once or twice daily.
This information sheet is designed to help answer commonly asked questions and help you give the medication safely and effectively to your pet. It does not contain all available information for this medication. If you have other questions or need more information, contact your veterinarian or pharmacist.Always follow the dosing instructions provided by your veterinarian.
Name, Brand names, Class of medication and Storage
Name
- Clindamycin (clin-da-my-sin).
Brand name
- Antirobe® (Europe, UK & US).
- Clinacin® (Europe, UK).
- Clindabactin ® (Europe, UK).
- Clinacyl® (Europe, UK).
- Clindaseptin® (Europe, UK).
- Mycinor® (Europe, UK).
- Cleocin® (US).
- ClinDrops® (US).
- Clintabs® (US).
Class of drug
- Lincosamide antibiotic.
Storage
- Store <25°C. Do not refrigerate clindamycin products. Observe the discard date on the pharmacy label if using clindamycin solutions that are mixed before use.
Why has my cat been prescribed clindamycin?
Your veterinarian has prescribed clindamycin to treat:
- Infected wounds and abscesses, and oral cavity infections including periodontal disease, caused by or associated with Staphylococcus spp, Streptococcus spp (except Streptococcus faecalis), Bacteroides spp, Fusobacterium necrophorum, and Clostridium perfringens susceptible to clindamycin.
- Superficial pyoderma associated with Staphylococcus pseudintermedius susceptible to clindamycin. For the treatment of osteomyelitis, caused by Staphylococcus aureus susceptible to clindamycin.
- Control or treatment for protozoal infections including Toxoplasmosis.
How is the medication given?
Clindamycin is given orally as either capsules, tablets or solution with or without food. If gastrointestinal upset occurs when giving on an empty stomach, try giving with food. If using capsules, cats should be given a small amount of food or liquid to ensure that the capsules do not get stuck to the esophagus. Tablets can be flavored and chewable. In some instances clindamycin injection may be sent home for twice daily injections under the skin.
Are there any side-effects or drug interactions?
Gastrointestinal effects may be seen (colitis, vomiting and diarrhea). If there is significant diarrhea, consult your veterinarian to see if the medication should be discontinued.
Drug interactions
The effect of muscle relaxants may be enhanced with clindamycin treatment. Clindamycin may antagonize the effects of neostigmine and pyridostigmine. Erythromycin, clarithromycin, and ketoconazole may prevent clindamycin from being effective.
How long will my cat need to receive this medication?
Your veterinarian will tell you how long to give this medication. Clindamycin may be given for only a week or as long as several months depending on the infection.
How should I dispose of this medication if I don’t use it all?
Dispose of any unused clindamycin safely – don’t flush down the toilet or sink. Ask your veterinary team if they take back medication for disposal. Do not save clindamycin for future use or give to other pets.
What if I miss a dose or give an extra dose?
If you miss a dose, give the dose as soon as possible but do not double up a dose. Make sure the dose given does not exceed the total recommended amount in any 24-hour period.
My cat is unwell, should I still give the drug?
If your pet is unwell, contact your veterinarian for advice.
What should I do if this medication is accidentally given to another pet or taken by a human?
Clindamycin should only be given to the dog that it has been prescribed for:
- Do not give to other pets in the household.
- Do not give to rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, mice, rats, or horses as it may cause a fatal diarrhea in these species.
- If accidentally given to other pets, contact your veterinarian for advice.
If accidentally eaten by a human, speak to your primary care physician or poison control center.
Will my cat need to be monitored while on clindamycin?
No specific tests are required while your cat is on clindamycin.
Further information
If you have any concerns, further information on clindamycin can be found on the package insert and the following websites:
Europe & UK
- Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) Antirobe® Capsules 75 mg. Summary of Product Characteristics: www.vmd.defra.gov.uk/productinformationdatabase/files/SPC_Documents/SPC_125688.PDF
- Dechra UK Clindabactin® Chewable Tablets. Website: www.dechra.co.uk/products/dog/prescription/clindabactin#Clindabactin-55mg-chewable-tablets-for-dogs-and-cats
US/Canada
- Zoetis (US) Antirobe®. Website: www2.zoetisus.com/products/petcare/antirobe
- Antirobe® Aquadrops® Solution 20 ml. Website: www2.zoetis.ca/species/companion-animals/products-and-solutions/antirobe-aquadrops-solution-20-ml
Always follow the recommended dosage and contact your veterinary team or pharmacist if you have any questions regarding your cat’s medication.
