Antirobe for dogs and cats
Formulation
Powder-filled capsules
Active ingredient
Clindamycin
Category
Antibiotic
What is Antirobe?
Antirobe is a brand name for an antibiotic called clindamycin. Antirobe treats certain bacterial infections in cats and dogs, such as infected wounds, as it is effective against certain types of bacteria, including Staphylococcal species.
You will only be able to buy Antirobe for your pet if you have been given a veterinary prescription for this drug. Antirobe comes in powder-filled gelatin capsules and must be given to your pet orally.
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What does Antirobe do?
Antirobe contains clindamycin, an antibiotic from the lincosamide group. It works by blocking the bacteria’s ability to make proteins, which are needed for their growth and reproduction. By stopping this process, it prevents the bacteria from multiplying, letting your pet’s body more easily fight the infection.
What is Antirobe used for?
Antirobe is used to treat various bacterial infections in dogs and cats. Your vet will prescribe Antirobe if they believe your pet has an infection caused by bacteria that respond well to this medication. Common uses for Antirobe include:
In cats:
- Infected wounds and abscesses caused by Staphylococcus and Streptococcus bacteria.
In dogs:
- Skin infections caused by Staphylococcus pseudointermedius.
- Bone infections due to Staphylococcus aureus.
- Infected wounds and abscesses caused by Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, Bacteroides, Fusobacterium necrophorum, and Clostridium perfringens.
- Dental infections caused by Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, Bacteroides, Fusobacterium necrophorum, or Clostridium perfringens.
Your vet may prescribe this antibiotic off-license under the ‘prescribing cascade’, which allows them to choose the most appropriate drug when a licensed version is unavailable. For instance, even though Antirobe is only licensed for bone infections in dogs, your vet might recommend its off-license use for a cat with a bone infection if no better alternative is available. These off-license uses are carefully considered, so if you’re concerned, you can always ask your vet for further explanation.
Which pets is Antirobe not suitable for?
Although Antirobe is generally safe for most pets, there are certain circumstances where it should be avoided or used with extra care. In these cases, it’s important to explore alternative treatments or discuss closer monitoring with your vet. Additionally, some medications can interact with Antirobe, leading to potential side effects. If your pet is on any of these medications, Antirobe may not be the most suitable option.
Antirobe may not be suitable for:
- Species other than dogs and cats
- Lactating dogs or cats, because Antirobe can pass into the milk and cause diarrhoea in puppies/kittens
- Pregnant dogs and cats, because its safety has not been well studied
- Newborn puppies or kittens
- Your vet should assess the risks and benefits of using Zodon alongside ‘neuromuscular blocking’ drugs in your pet.
- Dogs or cats taking other macrolide antibiotics (eg. erythromycin) or aminoglycoside antibiotics (eg. gentamycin)
- Dogs or cats taking ciclosporin (Atopica, Cyclovance, Modulis, Sporimune)
- Dogs or cats allergic to clindamycin or lincomycin
If you think your pet falls into one of the categories above, you should let your vet know so they can decide whether Antirobe is the best antibiotic for your pet. If you are still unsure about its use, you can talk to your vet about their reasoning.
What are the side effects of Antirobe in dogs and cats?
Most pets will take Antirobe with no issues. However, like all drugs it can have side effects. In most cases, the risk of these side effects is lower than the benefit your pet will get from taking Antirobe, but if you’re worried about potential side effects of Antirobe you should talk to your vet. These side effects of Antirobe capsules are uncommon or rare, but worth being aware of:
- Digestive issues: Diarrhoea and/or vomiting are seen rarely, eg in less than 1 in 10,000 pets that take Antirobe.
- Allergic reaction: Less than 1 in 10,000 pets will have an allergic reaction to Antirobe. If your pet has swelling or difficulty breathing, they may be experiencing an allergic reaction – you should visit your veterinarian immediately.
- Antibiotic resistance: If the bacteria your pet is struggling with are resistant to clindamycin, it may not work. This is called ‘antibiotic resistance’. There’s also a risk of other bacteria in your pet’s body developing resistance in response to using Antirobe. It’s important to follow your vet’s instructions about dosing and duration of the course to reduce the risk of antibiotic resistance developing.
- Overgrowth of other bacteria: Killing one group of bacteria can potentially cause the overgrowth of different groups of bacteria and yeast, which may need correcting.
Keep in mind that the benefits of using Antirobe generally outweigh the risks, especially in pets with serious infections. However, if you notice any side effects or are concerned about changes in your pet’s behaviour, it’s important to stop using Antirobe right away and contact your vet for further advice. They can assess the situation and adjust the treatment plan if needed.
As a pet owner, you can also report a suspected side effect to the VMD if you think Antirobe caused side effects in your pet. Or, read our article for more advice about reporting suspected pet drug side effects to the VMD.
How to give Antirobe safely
In order to minimise the risks of Antirobe side effects and antibiotic resistance, here are some tips to help you give it safely:
- Follow vet instructions: Always use Antirobe exactly as your vet has prescribed. This includes the right dose, frequency, and duration of course. Never adjust the dose on your own, even if your pet seems to be feeling better or worse. If you aren’t sure of the dose prescribed, please call your vet to confirm.
- Separate from other medications: Antirobe can interact with several other medications, so it’s best to give it at least 2 hours before and after other drugs.
- Let your vet know if your dog has been on other medications recently: Your vet should be aware of other drugs your pet is on, but it’s always worth double-checking in case there’s been a miscommunication somewhere, especially if it’s not your usual vet who prescribes the Antirobe. You should also tell your vet if your dog has taken any other drugs in the last week, even if they are no longer on them. This is especially true for:
- Ciclosporin (Atopica, Cyclovance, Modulis, Sporimune), which may be rendered ineffective by the Clindamycin
- Macrolide antibiotics (eg erythromycin)
- Aminoglycoside antibiotics (eg gentamycin)
- Report any non-prescription supplements to your vet: If your dog is on supplements or non-prescription treatments (even if these are herbal!) you should also tell your vet when they prescribe Antirobe, as they may not be suitable to be given together. This is especially true for:
- Aluminium salts and hydroxides, found in some phosphate binders that are used for pets with kidney disease
- Kaolin, found in anti-diarrhoea pastes and powders and in some pet foods for gastrointestinal disorders.
- Aluminium-Magnesium-Silicate, found in montmorillionite clay and used in anti-diarrhoea pastes and powders, and in some pet foods for gastrointestinal disorders
- Storage and Handling: Store Antirobe according to the instructions on the packaging, usually in a cool and dry place (below 25°C). In some cases, you may wish to store Antirobe in the fridge, which reduces the scent/flavour and makes them easier to dose. Wash your hands after giving Antirobe to your dog or cat. Always make sure Antirobe is out of reach of children and other pets, especially rabbits, hamsters, guinea pigs, chinchillas, horses, cows, and sheep, and clear up any spilled powder as Antirobe can result in severe digestive upset and even death in these animals .
- Report any overdose to your vet immediately: If you have mistakenly given too much Antirobe, report it to your vet as soon as you realise the error. They will usually recommend monitoring your pet at home, but depending on the severity of the overdose they may need to see your pet for symptomatic treatment.
- Report accidental ingestion by humans, especially children: Seek medical advice immediately.
How much monitoring do pets need on Antirobe?
Low
There are no specific tests needed to monitor pets taking Antirobe.
Antirobe is typically prescribed for a 5–10-day course, and your vet will likely want to re-examine your pet after this period to ensure the treatment has been effective. If your pet requires Antirobe for more than a month, your vet may recommend additional blood tests to check that their liver and kidneys are functioning properly. In cases where a pet already has liver or kidney issues, your vet may opt for extra blood tests, especially if your pet is on a higher dose of Antirobe.
What does Antirobe cost?
££ – Fairly Expensive
Antirobe costs £15-70 per week
The cost of Antirobe depends on your pet’s size and the dose they’re on, as well as where you buy the medication. A 4kg cat on a low dose might cost £2 per day, while a 10kg dog on a low dose of tablets might cost £1.50 per day. A 50kg dog on a high dose of Antirobe could cost £9 per day.
You don’t have to buy Antirobe from your vet, but if you choose to buy it elsewhere your vet will need to give you a written prescription and, depending on post, it might be more appropriate to get it from your vet so that your pet can start their treatment sooner. Vets are allowed to charge a reasonable fee to cover their professional time checking doses and writing a written prescription for use elsewhere. For more information, see “Why are pet medicines so expensive?”
Antirobe FAQs
How long does Antirobe take to work?
Antirobe is absorbed quickly after oral dosing, with clindamycin being detectable in the blood within a couple of hours. However, clindamycin is what we call a ‘bacteriostatic’ antibiotic – it stops the bacteria reproducing, but doesn’t kill them. It can then take 2-3 days for the body to get on top of the infection.
Should Antirobe be given with food?
Antirobe can be given with or without food. The main difference is that your pet will absorb the drug much quicker on an empty stomach. However, giving Antirobe with food may help to reduce the chances of any digestive issues, such as vomiting. Giving Antirobe with food can make things easier for you too! Putting the capsule inside a strawberry or a bit of cheese can tempt your pet into taking the capsule. Just make sure your pet has swallowed the capsule after giving it with or without food.
Can Antirobe capsules be opened?
It’s sometimes easier to give Antirobe by opening the capsule and sprinkling on the food, especially if you’re giving it to a cat. In this case, store Antirobe in the fridge as it makes it more palatable. If you’re still struggling to give Antirobe, see the alternatives section below for more advice.
Antirobe Alternatives
If Antirobe isn’t available or you’re struggling to give it to your pet, you can talk to your vet, who will be able to prescribe another brand of clindamycin like:
- Zodon (which comes as flavoured tablets and liquid)
- Clinacin (grilled meat flavour tablets)
- Clindabactin (chicken flavoured chewable tablets for both cats and dogs)
- Clindaseptin (hard capsules and liquid available)
- Solucin (anise-flavoured liquid solution only)
If you feel as though Antirobe is not working, you’re struggling to get your pet to take Antirobe, or you’re worried about the side effects, talk to your vet. They might suggest a different type of antibiotic to give your pet. If they haven’t done so already, your vet may also do an antibiotic sensitivity test to see what bacteria are there and which antibiotics they’re resistant to.
Please note, you cannot buy non-prescription antibiotics for dogs or cats. Antibiotics can be dangerous drugs and incorrect use can lead to bacteria that are resistant to multiple drugs. This is damaging to human and animal health.
Antirobe Datasheet
All drugs have a manufacturer’s datasheet, which gives information about the drug’s use and possible side effects. There is usually one with your Antirobe capsules, but if you have lost it you can click on the button below to be taken on an online version.
More help for your pet
Antirobe is a useful antibiotic for many bacterial conditions. If your pet has been prescribed for one of the following conditions, our vet-written e-learning courses may help:
Please note that the information contained herein is provided for informational purposes only. Although it has been written by a vet, we cannot consider the individual nature of your pet’s problems so it does not constitute veterinary advice. If you have questions about your pet’s medication or their health you should contact a vet, who will be able to help.
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