CLINDAMYCIN HYDROCHLORIDE

(for veterinary information only)

BRAND NAME: CLINDADROPS, ANTIROBE, CLEOSIN

AVAILABLE IN
25 mg, 75 m, 150 mg, 300 mg
CAPSULES
AS WELL AS
ORAL SOLUTION

BACKGROUND

The continuing fight against bacterial infections involves the development of antibiotics capable of harming bacterial cells without damaging the patient’s cells. Biological properties that bacteria do not share with animals have been exploited so as to accomplish exactly this.

HOW THIS MEDICATION IS USED

The lincosamide antibiotics seem to be most useful against the bacteria classified as Gram positive cocci (classified thus based on their shape and cell wall properties). Clindamycin is also helpful against protozoans such as Toxoplasma and Mycoplasma as well as many anaerobic (growing without oxygen) bacteria.

The Gram positive cell wall takes up purple stain. Cocci are round bacteria.
The Gram positive cocci in this picture appear as purple dots.
(Photo credit: CDC Public Health Image Library)
 
 

The types of bacteria sensitive to clindamycin makes this drug especially popular for use in oral and periodontal infections, skin infections, and bone infections.

SIDE EFFECTS

Oral clindamycin is unpleasant tasting and may be rejected by some patients.

The only side effect of concern is upset stomach including diarrhea (which can be bloody) and vomiting. If your pet develops an upset stomach on clindamycin, please discontinue the medication and notify your veterinarian.

INTERACTIONS WITH OTHER DRUGS

Erythromycin, another antibiotic, and clindamycin will be less effective in combination than when used separately. There is some evidence that the same is true when clindamycin is combined with chloramphenicol.

Clindamycin will reduce blood levels of cyclosporine when the two are used concurrently.

CONCERNS AND CAUTIONS

Oral clindamycin is absorbed into the body faster if given on an empty stomach.

Clindamycin will cross the placenta if used in pregnant patients. It will also readily be transferred to nursing young and can induce diarrhea.

Dosage may require alteration in patients with kidney or liver disease. In these cases, a different drug might be a better choice. If this is not possible, it may be helpful to measure blood levels of clindamycin to be sure the patient is able to clear the drug adequately and does not overdose.

Liver enzyme blood tests often elevate with the use of clindamycin. This is not felt to be of health significance but is important to recognize when it is seen.

The manufacturer has recommended blood tests of liver and kidney function if use of clindamycin is to persist beyond 30 days.

This medication is not safe for use in horses, rabbits, rodents, or ruminants.

Clindamycin oral liquid is famous for its especially bitter taste. Refrigerating the medication seems to alleviate some of this unpleasant flavoring. Clindamycin liquid does not require refrigeration for storage.

Clindamycin tablets may stick in the esophagus on the way down and cause irritation which can lead to potentially serious scarring. This is unlikely to occur except in very small patients but smaller pets should be given a syringe of water after their pill to assure medication arrives in the stomach properly.

Page last updated: 2/20/2016
Page last reviewed: 1/12/2018