Compounded Clindamycin (Cleocin) for Dogs and Cats.

Clindamycin is an antibiotic medication used animals and humans. It is used in animals to help a variety of conditions. Clindamycin can be used after dental procedures to help prevent infections. It is also used in animals to treat serious infections such as toxoplasmosis, hepatozoonosis, and babesiosis. In dogs and cats, doxycycline is often used to treat skin, bone, and dental infections. This medication should NOT be given to horses ,rabbits, mice, rats, hamsters ,guinea pigs, cattle, sheep, goats, or deer as it may cause fatal diarrhea. It is important to remember that even though the medication takes effect within as little as 1-2 hours after being given, the true benefits of the medication to your animal’s health may not be seen outwardly. It may take 1-2 days of taking this medication for you to see an improvement in your animal’s condition. Clindamycin does require a prescription from your veterinarian in order to be dispensed. You and your veterinarian should discuss if this is the best option for your pet.

Clindamycin is given orally and can be compounded to the desired strength and flavor that best suits your patient/pet. We compound this medication into suspensions and capsules. This medication may be given with or without food. If the patient vomits after receiving the dose on an empty stomach, the next dose should be given with food to decrease GI upset. This medication has a bitter taste and is often best given with a treat or food to help mask this fact. To avoid damage to the esophagus, capsules and tablets should be given with a small amount of liquid. If you miss a dose do not double up on the medication. Wait until the next dose is due and follow the normal dosing schedule as directed.

Common side effects of clindamycin include vomiting and diarrhea. If the patient experiences excessive itchiness, swelling of tongue or face, trouble swallowing, or bloody diarrhea, please contact your veterinarian/doctor immediately as these symptoms may indicate a serious reaction or a dose that is too high. Overdoses of this medication can be serious. If you suspect an overdose, contact your veterinarian or poison control.