Clindamycin

Clindamycin: Uses, Dosage and Side Effects

Overview

Time-dependent lincosamide antibiotic that binds to the 50S ribosomal subunit, inhibiting peptide bond formation.

Uses of Clindamycin

• Bone and joint infections associated with Gram-positive bacteria.
• pyoderma.
• toxoplasmosis.
• Infections associated with the oral cavity.
• It is also recommended as part of the treatment for sepsis/bacteremia and hospital-acquired pneumonia.
• Active against Gram-positive cocci (including penicillin-resistant staphylococci),
  many obligate anaerobes, mycoplasma, and protozoal infections (Neospora caninum, Toxoplasma gondii).

Dose of Clindamycin in Dogs and Cats

Dogs:

• 5.5 mg/kg p.o. q12h or 11 mg/kg q24h; in severe infection can increase to 11 mg/kg q12h.
• Toxoplasmosis/neosporosis: 25 mg/kg p.o. daily in divided
  doses.

Cats:

• 5.5 mg/kg p.o. q12h or 11 mg/kg q24h.
• Toxoplasmosis: 25 mg/kg p.o. daily in divided doses; increased doses of 30–50 mg/kg p.o. daily have been recommended for CNS involvement.

Side Effects of Clindamycin in Dogs and Cats

• Colitis, vomiting, and diarrhea are reported.
•  In cats may be associated with oesophagitis and oesophageal stricture; therefore, consider following solid dosage forms such as tablet administration with a little water or food bolus.

Contraindications of Clindamycin in Dogs and Cats

• No information is available.

Some Notes:

• Attains high concentrations in bone and bile.
• Being a weak base, it becomes ion-trapped (and therefore concentrated) in fluids that are more acidic than plasma, such as prostatic fluid, milk and intracellular fluid.
• There is complete cross-resistance between lincomycin and clindamycin, and partial cross-resistance with erythromycin.
• Use with care in individuals with hepatic or renal impairment.
• May enhance the effect of non-depolarizing muscle relaxants, (e.g. tubocurarine) and may antagonize the effects of neostigmine and pyridostigmine.
• Do not administer with macrolide, chloramphenicol or other lincosamide antimicrobials as these combinations are antagonistic.