Antimicrobials
Clindamycin

Clindamycin

Spectrum of Activity

General Information

5-33 mg/kg IV/PO q12h

Typically 10-15 mg/kg IV/PO q12h

Canadian label dose:

  • Wounds, abscesses, dental infections: 11-22 mg/kg IV/PO q24h

5-33 mg/kg IV/PO q12h

Typically 10-15 mg/kg IV/PO q12h

Canadian label dose:

  • Wounds, abscesses, dental infections: 5.5 mg/kg IV/PO q12h
  • Osteomyelitis: 11 mg/kg IV/PO q12h

CLSI breakpoints for Staphylococcus and Streptococcus based on 5.6 mg/kg PO q12h (maximum 33 mg/kg PO q12h)

Liquid

  • 25 mg/ml

Capsule

  • 25 mg
  • 75 mg
  • 300 mg

Injectable

  • 150 mg/ml (2ml)
  • 150 mg/ml (4ml)
  • Skin infections
  • Dental infections
  • Osteomyelitis
  • Susceptible infections
  • Some protozoal infections (more suppressive than curative)
  • Bacteriostatic or bactericidal depending on concentration and susceptibility of the organism
  • Distributed in most tissue and fluids
    • Ocular penetration is poor
    • Crosses the placenta and can be distributed in milk
  • Partially metabolized in the liver
  • Unchanged drug and metabolites excreted in urine, feces, and bile
  • Use with caution in animals with hepatic or renal disease
  • GI disturbances
  • Esophageal stricture when administered orally (rare)

Contraindicated in rabbits, hamsters, chinchillas, guinea pigs, horses, and ruminants.

  • Avoid concurrent use with erythromycin
  • Administer with caution with other neuromuscular blocking agents

Dry pilling should be avoided.

Plumb DC. Clindamycin. Plumb’s Veterinary Drugs. Updated July 2019.