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Written by Dr. Feargus McConnell, BVSc on the Jan.17, 2024

Petdirect is dedicated to providing educational pet health content for pet parents. This article was written and reviewed by veterinary professionals to answer common questions about your pet’s medication. Our focus is on delivering unbiased information to help you understand how medication works, its potential side effects, and FAQs for your reference. Always administer medication directly as prescribed by your vet. This article shouldn’t take the place of advice from your vet.

The active ingredient in Antirobe is Clindamycin, an antibiotic medication primarily prescribed to treat a range of infections in cats and dogs. It's effective against skin infections, wounds, abscesses, respiratory infections, and dental disease-related oral infections.

Clindamycin falls under the category of lincosamide antibiotics. It works by inhibiting the formation of vital proteins in susceptible bacteria, halting their growth and multiplication. Depending on various factors like the infection's location and the bacteria strain, Clindamycin can sometimes lead to bacterial death.

Your veterinarian will provide specific instructions for administering Antirobe in a capsule form. Administering this medication with food may help, and ensuring your pet drinks a tablespoon of water or eats a small amount of food post-administration is advisable. Probiotics can also be given concurrently to prevent digestive upset.

Missed Dose:

If you miss a dose, consult your veterinarian. They might suggest giving the missed dose as soon as you remember or skipping it if the next scheduled dose is near.

Overdose:

Overdose symptoms can include loss of appetite, vomiting, weight loss, stomach ulcers, and more. In case of suspected overdose, contact your veterinarian immediately or reach out to the New Zealand National Poisons Centre at www.poisons.co.nz/animal-helpline/ or phone 0800 869 738.

While effective, Antirobe (Clindamycin) can cause side effects in some pets, including:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Reduced appetite
• Lethargy
• Drooling
• Bloody diarrhoea
• Esophageal injury (particularly in cats)

Store Clindamycin at controlled room temperatures below 25°C, away from moisture and light. Keep out of reach of pets and children.

How long should a pet be on Clindamycin?

• The duration depends on the infection type and location. Superficial skin infections might require a week of treatment, whereas more severe infections could need longer.

Can Clindamycin be given with food?

• Yes, administering Clindamycin with food can help.

What should I do if I miss giving a dose to my pet?

• Consult your veterinarian. They may advise giving the dose when remembered or skipping it if it's close to the next dose.

Are there any serious side effects I should watch out for?

• Monitor for symptoms like severe vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy, or any unusual behaviour, and contact your vet if these occur.

Is Clindamycin safe for all pets?

• Clindamycin is generally safe for cats and dogs but should not be used in certain other animals. Always consult your vet before administering any medication to your pet.

Clindamycin is a useful antibiotic for treating various infections in cats and dogs. However, it's crucial to follow your veterinarian's advice regarding its use. For more information on pet health and medications, visit PetDirect.co.nz. Remember, this article is for educational purposes and should not replace professional veterinary advice.