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Clindamycin

Prescription

Lincosamide antibiotic

Last reviewed 19 Apr 2026 · PetCare.AI Editorial Team

Species

Dog, Cat

Brands

3 available

Interactions

2 documented

Formulations

Mechanism of action

Binds to the 50S ribosomal subunit, inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis; active against anaerobes and gram-positive organisms

At a glance

Class

Lincosamide antibiotic

Schedule

Prescription

Storage

Store below 25°C, protect from moisture

Dosing

🐕

Dog

Dental infections / osteomyelitis

Dose

5.5–22 mg/kg

Route

Frequency

BID

Max dose

600 mg/dose; 1200 mg/day

Duration: 14-28 days (osteomyelitis: 4-6 weeks)

Deep pyoderma

Dose

5.5–11 mg/kg

Route

Frequency

BID

Max dose

600 mg/dose; 1200 mg/day

Duration: 21-42 days

Toxoplasmosis

Dose

12.5–25 mg/kg

Route

Frequency

BID

Max dose

600 mg/dose; 1200 mg/day

Duration: 14-21 days

🐈

Cat

Dental infections

Dose

5.5–22 mg/kg

Route

Frequency

BID

Max dose

300 mg/dose; 600 mg/day

Duration: 14-28 days

Toxoplasmosis

Dose

12.5–25 mg/kg

Route

Frequency

BID

Max dose

300 mg/dose; 600 mg/day

Duration: 14-28 days

Educational reference only

This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →

Formulations

💊

Capsule — 3

Strength

75mg

Available in India

Strength

150mg

Available in India

Strength

300mg

Available in India

🧴

Oral solution — 1

Strength

25mg/mL

Available in India

Storage

Store below 25°C, protect from moisture

Safety

Absolute contraindications — do not use

Known lincosamide hypersensitivity
Cross-reactivity with lincomycin
Rabbits, hamsters, guinea pigs, horses
Fatal pseudomembranous colitis in hindgut fermenters

Use with caution

Hepatic impairment
Primarily hepatically metabolized

Adverse effects

Common

Vomiting

Diarrhoea

Oesophagitis

Serious

Pseudomembranous colitis (in susceptible species)

Blood dyscrasias

Monitoring parameters

GI toleranceLiver enzymes for prolonged coursesCBC

Educational reference only

Interactions

Moderate — 2

Atracurium

moderate

Lincosamides have intrinsic neuromuscular blocking activity, potentiating non-depolarizing neuromuscular blockers.

Management: If clindamycin given perioperatively, reduce NMB dose and monitor TOF closely. Reversal with neostigmine may be less effective.

Chloramphenicol

moderate

Both bind overlapping sites on 50S ribosomal subunit. Concurrent use causes competitive antagonism reducing efficacy of both.

Management: Do not combine. Choose one based on susceptibility.

Educational reference only

Brands

International

Antirobe

Zoetis

Dalacin C

Pfizer

India

Clindac

Alkem

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

›What is Clindamycin?

Clindamycin is a lincosamide antibiotic used in pets. Binds to the 50S ribosomal subunit, inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis; active against anaerobes and gram-positive organisms

›What is Clindamycin used for in pets?

Clindamycin is used in veterinary medicine for: Dental infections / osteomyelitis; Deep pyoderma; Toxoplasmosis; Dental infections.

›What is the Clindamycin dose for dogs?

For dogs, Clindamycin is typically dosed as follows — Dental infections / osteomyelitis: 5.5–22 mg/kg PO BID; Deep pyoderma: 5.5–11 mg/kg PO BID; Toxoplasmosis: 12.5–25 mg/kg PO BID. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.

›What is the Clindamycin dose for cats?

For cats, Clindamycin is typically dosed as follows — Dental infections: 5.5–22 mg/kg PO BID; Toxoplasmosis: 12.5–25 mg/kg PO BID. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.

›What are the side effects of Clindamycin?

Common: Vomiting, Diarrhoea, Oesophagitis. Serious (call your vet immediately): Pseudomembranous colitis (in susceptible species), Blood dyscrasias.

›Does Clindamycin need a prescription?

Yes. Clindamycin is a prescription medication and should only be administered under veterinary supervision.

›When should Clindamycin not be used?

Do not use Clindamycin if: Known lincosamide hypersensitivity; Rabbits, hamsters, guinea pigs, horses.

Educational reference only

References

The PetCare.AI drug reference is built from 13 authoritative sources cited across 580 drug monographs.

Textbooks & handbooks — 5

Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook
Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology
Merck Veterinary Manual
NRC Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats
Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics (Riviere & Papich)

Clinical guidelines & consensus — 4

ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Guidelines
AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines
ASPCA Poison Control Guidelines
RECOVER CPR Guidelines

Journals & peer-reviewed studies — 2

EPIC Study (J Vet Intern Med 2016)
JVIM FAT CAT Study

Regulatory & approvals — 1

CDSCO Veterinary Drug Approval Registry (1969–2026)

Databases — 1

Washington State University VCPL MDR1 Database

Related medicines

Other medicines in the same class (Lincosamide antibiotic).

Lincomycin

Binds to 50S ribosomal subunit, inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis; effective against gram-positive aerobes and anaerobes; penetrates bone well

dogcat