Side Effects of Clindamycin HCL in Cats

Clindamycin HCL is an antibiotic used to treat deep wounds, abscesses and dental infections in cats. If your veterinarian suggests Clindamycin, be sure to complete the entire course of treatment even if your cat seems to be feeling better. Stopping the medicine early could cause relapse or resistance to the drug. While Clindamycin is generally considered effective and safe, it can cause side effects.

  1. Diarrhea

    • Give your cat plain yogurt or a probiotic while he is on Clindamycin. It will restore the intestinal flora destroyed by the antibiotic and prevent diarrhea.

    Vomiting

    • A probiotic can help with vomiting, too. And Pepcid AC might settle your cat's stomach. Ask your veterinarian how much to give. If your cat continues to vomit, ask your vet for an injectable antibiotic. Cats aren't phobic about needles the way humans are, and injectable medications are easy to give.

    Decreased Appetite

    • Your cat must eat! Anorexia that lasts 12 hours or more can cause hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver disease), which can be fatal. If your cat refuses to eat, try warming her food in the microwave for a few seconds to make it more appealing. Or offer her tuna; meat baby food with no onions or garlic; deli turkey, chicken or ham; or Kentucky Fried Chicken. If she still refuses to eat, contact your veterinarian.

    Profuse Drooling

    • Liquid Clindamycin can cause profuse drooling.

    Diarrhea in Nursing Kittens

    • Nursing mothers on Clindamycin can pass the drug to their kittens in their milk, causing diarrhea in the kittens. If your nursing kittens develop diarrhea, contact your veterinarian immediately. Young kittens can become dehydrated from diarrhea very quickly.