Antirobe is a formulation of the antibiotic compound clindamycin, which is a registered drug for use in both animals and humans. It works by inhibiting protein synthesis and growth in bacteria. In cats, clindamycin is best used for infections in the skin, mouth, respiratory tract and bones. Antirobe is a prescription drug, so it can only be obtained with the approval of a veterinarian.
Uses
Antirobe can only affect anaerobic bacteria, or species that do not use oxygen. In cats, anaerobic bacteria are most commonly responsible for infecting small scrapes and wounds, the windpipe and lungs, the teeth and oral cavity, or the skeletal structure. The most dangerous kind of infection Antirobe is used against is pneumonia. There is some evidence to suggest that Antirobe can also be used to treat protozoa infections in cats, but its effectiveness in this area is controversial. Antirobe cannot be used to treat parasites such as intestinal worms, fleas, viruses, mites or fungi, because clindamycin targets specific proteins that are only used by anaerobic bacteria species.
Side Effects
Negative side effects of Antirobe use in cats are uncommon, but there is a slight chance of a negative reaction to any drug. Some cats are allergic or hypersensitive to clindamycin. Since allergic effects are unpredictable until the drug has been administered, be aware of and watchful for allergic reactions. If you suspect that your pet is allergic to any prescribed drug, discontinue administration immediately.
Clindamycin can also interact with certain types of other antibiotics, so make sure the veterinarian knows the other kids of drugs your cat is taking before Antirobe is prescribed. In rare cases, vomiting, diarrhea, and decreased appetite may result from clindamycin use in cats. It comes in both a pill form and a liquid form, and the liquid formulation tastes horrible to cats and may cause profuse drooling immediately after administration.
Dosing
The most common dose of Antirobe for felines is 2.5 milligrams per pound (5.5 milligrams per kilogram) every 12 hours, but ranges up to 10 milligrams per pound (22 milligrams per kilogram) every 24 hours. The dose and frequency depend on what kind of infection the drug is being used for, and the veterinarian will decide what treatment plan is best for your cat. How long your cat will be administered Antirobe depends on what the drug is being used to treat, and the treatment plan may be subject to change depending on the animal's reaction to the drug.
Even if your cat feels better, continue use of Antirobe until the whole treatment plan has been completed, otherwise you run the risk of a relapse or the development of a resistance to clindamycin in the bacteria that are infecting the cat. You should always consult your veterinarian before the administration of any prescription medication, as any drug can affect an individual organism differently, and some doses may be dangerous or ineffective for some animals.
If your cat is suffering from a cough or other bacterial infection, Antirobe is an option for treating the problem. Talk to your veterinarian about Antirobe to see if it is right for your pet.