Pharmacokinetics of clindamycin phosphate in dogs after single intravenous and intramuscular administrations

Clindamycin phosphate was administered to dogs at dosage of 11 mg/kg of body weight via IV and IM routes. The disposition curve for IV administration was best represented as a 2-compartment open model. Mean elimination half life was 194.6 +/- 24.5 minutes for IV administration and 234.8 +/- 27.3 minutes for IM administration. Bioavailability after IM administration was 87%. Dosage of 11 mg/kg, IV, given every 8 hours, provided serum concentration of clindamycin that exceeded the minimal inhibitory concentration for all Staphylococcus spp, as well as most pathogenic anaerobes, throughout the dosing interval. Intramuscular administration induced signs of pain and cannot be recommended.