CLINDAMYCIN HCl
(For veterinary information only)
IMPORTANT NOTE: Please tell the veterinarian if your pet has ever had any kidney or liver problems.
As with all medications, it is extremely important that this medication be used ONLY for the pet for which it is prescribed.
BRAND NAME: CLINDAMYCIN®, NOVO-CLINDAMYCIN
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 types of bacteria sensitive to clindamycin makes this drug especially popular for use in oral and periodontal infections, skin infections, and bone infections. This medication will not cure viral infections.
SIDE EFFECTS
Oral clindamycin is unpleasant tasting and may be rejected by some pets.
Serious (report these to your pet’s veterinarian right away): Extreme abdominal pain, severe or bloody diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, swelling and redness of the skin, yellowing of the eyes or skin. If your pet develops any of the above on clindamycin, please discontinue the medication and notify your veterinarian.
Other: Mild diarrhea, rash, itching, joint pain, unpleasant taste, mouth or tongue sores.
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.
Tell the veterinarian if your pet is on:
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 and therefore should be avoided. It will also readily be transferred to nursing young and can induce diarrhea.
Clindamycin must be used cautiously in pets with kidney or liver disease. Please notify your veterinarian if your pet has currently, or has had these in the past.
It is recommended that blood tests of liver and kidney function be done if use of clindamycin is to persist beyond 30 days.
Give this medicine exactly as your pet’s veterinarian prescribes. Do not give more or less or give it longer than prescribed. Do not stop giving this medication without your pet’s veterinarian’s approval, even if your pet feels better. If you stop giving it too soon, the infection may return.
Do not miss any doses. If you miss a dose, give it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and give the next one as directed. Do not give double doses. If you are not sure of what to do if you miss a dose, or if you miss more than one dose, contact your pet’s veterinarian.
Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
If you have any questions, please feel free to call us at 672-7800.