Clindamycine hydrochloride is a medicine that is commonly used in both dogs and cats. It is commonly known by the brand name Antirobe. If your pet has a bacterial infection of a certain type, clindamycin HCl may be the best way to help address that infection so that you can heal your pet as quickly and effectively as possible.
Clindamycin HCl Overview
This medicine belongs to the class of drugs called antibiotics. Infections are generally caused by bacteria of some type or another. Left untreated, these bacteria can continue to spread and grow and may ultimately infect other parts of your dog's body, including important internal organs and other vital parts.
Antibiotics are medicines that prevent the growth of bacteria by impairing or destroying that bacteria, thereby killing the infection before it can spread. Clindamycin HCl is a particular type of antibiotic that targets bacteria that cause infections of the skin, bones, respiratory system and oral cavity. It is similar in function and chemical composition to drugs like erythromycin.
Using Clindamycin HCl for Your Dog
This drug has been approved for use in pets by the FDA. Still, it is a prescription drug that requires a veterinarian's attention and consistent monitoring. If your pet has a bacterial infection of one of the types listed above, you should consult with your vet about the possibility of using antirobe to help address and treat the infection.
Your vet will need to carefully monitor the dosage and the effects of Clindamycin HCl. The medicine is available in both tablets and in an oral suspension, though most dog owners prefer to provide their pets with the tablet form. The exact amount of antirobe that you'll give to your pet will be dependent upon his weight, size, age, previous health conditions, and on the severity and type of infection that he has.
Risks and Side Effects of Using Clindamycin Hydrochloride
This medicine, like other antibiotics, is designed to be continued throughout a full treatment program. You may notice that your pet's symptoms seem to get better shortly after beginning the drug treatment. It's still important, however, to continue to give him the medicine throughout the full duration, as this will ensure that all of the bacteria is destroyed and that the medicine is fully effective.
Drugs with Clindamycin HCl have a few side effects. First, it's crucial that you tell your vet about any and all other drugs that your dog is on before you begin using this medicine, as it can interact badly with certain types of medicine. Among the most common side effects are:
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Lack of appetite
It's also possible that your pet might have a more extreme allergic reaction to the medicine. This will occur immediately after ingesting the medicine. Although these situations are rare, it's important that you be aware of the possibility of them occurring so that you can take proper care of your dog.