Home/Medicines/Clindamycin
All medicines

Clindamycin

Prescription
Lincosamide antibiotic
Last reviewed 19 Apr 2026 · PetCare.AI Editorial Team
Species
Dog, Cat
Brands
3 available
Interactions
2 documented
Formulations
4

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
PO
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
PO
Frequency
BID
Max dose
600 mg/dose; 1200 mg/day
Duration: 21-42 days
Toxoplasmosis
Dose
12.5–25 mg/kg
Route
PO
Frequency
BID
Max dose
600 mg/dose; 1200 mg/day
Duration: 14-21 days
🐈

Cat

Dental infections
Dose
5.5–22 mg/kg
Route
PO
Frequency
BID
Max dose
300 mg/dose; 600 mg/day
Duration: 14-28 days
Toxoplasmosis
Dose
12.5–25 mg/kg
Route
PO
Frequency
BID
Max dose
300 mg/dose; 600 mg/day
Duration: 14-28 days

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

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.

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.

References

References

Textbooks & handbooks

  • Plumb, D.C. Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2023.
  • Vail, D.M., Thamm, D.H., & Liptak, J.M. (eds.). Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology. 6th ed., Saunders/Elsevier, 2020.
  • Riviere, J.E., & Papich, M.G. (eds.). Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2018.
  • National Research Council. Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats. National Academies Press, Washington DC, 2006.
  • The Merck Veterinary Manual. Merck & Co., Online edition. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/

Clinical guidelines & consensus

  • Fletcher, D.J., Boller, M., Brainard, B.M., et al. "RECOVER Evidence and Knowledge Gap Analysis on Veterinary CPR." Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care, 2012;22(S1):S102–S131.
  • American Animal Hospital Association. 2018 AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines for Dogs and Cats. AAHA Press.

Journals & peer-reviewed studies

  • Hogan, D.F., Fox, P.R., Jacob, K., et al. "Secondary prevention of cardiogenic arterial thromboembolism in the cat: The FAT CAT study." Journal of Veterinary Cardiology, 2015;17(Suppl 1):S306–S317.
  • Boswood, A., Häggström, J., Gordon, S.G., et al. "Effect of Pimobendan in Dogs with Preclinical Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease and Cardiomegaly: The EPIC Study — A Randomized Clinical Trial." Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 2016;30(6):1765–1779.
  • ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Toxicology and Poison Management Guidelines. American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control

Regulatory & approvals

  • Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), Government of India. Veterinary Drug Approval Registry, 1969–2026. Directorate General of Health Services. https://cdsco.gov.in/

Databases

  • Washington State University, College of Veterinary Medicine. Veterinary Clinical Pharmacology Laboratory (VCPL) — MDR1 Multidrug Sensitivity Database. https://vcpl.vetmed.wsu.edu/
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 →

Related medicines

Other medicines in the same class (Lincosamide antibiotic).

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