Clindamycin

What is Clindamycin?

How it works:
Clindamycin fights infections caused by susceptible bacteria. Clindamycin works by stopping the growth of bacteria.

Cautions:
Antibiotics can cause diarrhea. If the diarrhea is watery or has blood in it, call your veterinarian. Do not use any medication to stop the diarrhea unless instructed by your veterinarian.

What is the most important information I should know about Clindamycin: Do not use this medication if your pet is allergic to clindamycin or lincomycin (Bactramycin, L-Mycin, Lincocin). Do not give clindamycin together with erythromycin (E-Mycin, E.E.S., Ery-Tab, and others). Tell your veterinarian if your pet has kidney disease, liver disease, colitis, asthma, eczema, or allergic skin reaction. Give this medication for the entire length of time prescribed by your veterinarian. Symptoms may get better before the infection is fully treated. Antibiotics can cause diarrhea. If the diarrhea is watery or has blood in it, call your veterinarian. Do not use any medication to stop the diarrhea unless your veterinarian has told you to do so. Periodic blood testing will be necessary. Kidney and liver function may also need to be tested. Prior to any surgery on the pet, let your veterinarian know if your pet is still taking clindamycin. Clindamycin is FDA-approved for use in dogs only; however, it is a commonly accepted practice for veterinarians to use clindamycin in cats. Clindamycin is a prescription medication available as 25mg tablets, 150mg capsules and 25mg/ml liquid drops.

What is Clindamycin: Clindamycin is an antibiotic that fights bacterial infections in the body. It is used to treat serious infections. Clindamycin may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this guide.

What should I discuss with my veterinarian before giving Clindamycin to my pet: Do not use this medication if your pet is allergic to clindamycin or lincomycin (Bactramycin, L-Mycin, Lincocin). Do not give clindamycin together with erythromycin (E-Mycin, E.E.S., Ery-Tab, and others). Tell your veterinarian if your pet has kidney disease, liver disease, colitis, asthma, eczema, or allergic skin reaction. Tell your veterinarian if your pet is pregnant or lactating.

How should this medication be given: Give this medication exactly as prescribed by your veterinarian. Do not give in larger amounts, or give for longer than recommended by your veterinarian. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Allow plenty of water for your pet to drink. Give this medication for the entire length of time prescribed by your veterinarian. Symptoms may get better before the infection is fully treated. Periodic blood testing will be necessary. Kidney and liver function may also need to be tested. Prior to any surgery on your pet, let your veterinarian know if your pet is still taking clindamycin. Store clindamycin at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss giving a dose: Give the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and give the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not give a double dose of the medication.

What happens if I overdose the pet: Seek emergency veterinary medical attention if you think you have given your pet too much of this medication. Symptoms of clindamycin overdose may include vomiting, loss of appetite, weight loss, depression, behavior changes, or seizure.

What should I avoid while giving Clindamycin to my pet: Antibiotics can cause diarrhea. If the diarrhea is watery or has blood in it, call your veterinarian. Do not use any medication to stop the diarrhea unless your veterinarian has told you to do so.

What are the possible side effects of Clindamycin: If any of the following serious side effects occur, stop giving clindamycin and seek emergency veterinary medical help: an allergic reaction (hives; difficulty breathing; or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat). Stop the medication and talk to your veterinarian if any of these side effects occur: diarrhea that is watery or bloody; fever; chills; body aches; nausea; stomach pain; loss of appetite; dark urine; jaundice; urinating less than usual or not at all; fever; headache; or blistering or peeling of the skin. Side effects other than those listed in this guide may occur. Talk to your veterinarian about any side effect that is unusual or especially bothersome to your pet.

What other drugs will affect Clindamycin: There may be other drugs that can affect clindamycin. Tell your veterinarian about all prescription and over-the-counter medications you give your pet including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products.

Where can I get more information: Your pharmacist has information written for health professionals that you can read.

Directions:

•	Clindamycin is a prescription antibiotic used in the treatment of serious infections such as soft tissue infections, dental infections, and bone infections.
•	Give this medication the entire length of time prescribed by your veterinarian. Symptoms may get better before the infection is fully treated.