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Lincomycin

PrescriptionCDSCO approved
Lincosamide antibiotic
Last reviewed 18 Apr 2026 · PetCare.AI Editorial Team
Species
Dog, Cat
Brands
3 available
Interactions
2 documented
Formulations
2

Mechanism of action

Binds to 50S ribosomal subunit, inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis; effective against gram-positive aerobes and anaerobes; penetrates bone well

At a glance

Class
Lincosamide antibiotic
Schedule
Prescription
Storage
Store below 25°C
CDSCO (India)
Vet-approved — 1989-03

Dosing

🐕

Dog

Osteomyelitis / Dental infections / Anaerobic infections
Dose
15–25 mg/kg
Route
PO, IM, IV
Frequency
BID to TID
Max dose
1000 mg/dose; 3000 mg/day
Duration: 7–28 days (longer for osteomyelitis)
🐈

Cat

Dental / Soft tissue infections
Dose
15–25 mg/kg
Route
PO, IM
Frequency
BID
Max dose
250 mg/dose; 500 mg/day
Duration: 7–14 days

Formulations

💊

Capsule — 1

Strength
500mg
Available in India
💉

Injection — 1

Strength
300mg/mL
Available in India

Storage

Store below 25°C

Safety

Absolute contraindications — do not use

  • Known lincosamide hypersensitivity
    Cross-reactivity with clindamycin
  • Rabbits, hamsters, guinea pigs
    Fatal enterocolitis

Use with caution

  • Hepatic or renal impairment
    Dose adjustment needed

Adverse effects

Common
Diarrhoea
Vomiting
Anorexia
Serious
Pseudomembranous colitis
Neuromuscular blockade (rapid IV)
Blood dyscrasias

Monitoring parameters

GI functionCBC with prolonged useClinical response

Interactions

Moderate — 2

Atracurium
moderate
Lincosamides have intrinsic neuromuscular blocking activity (same as clindamycin), potentiating non-depolarizing NMBAs.
Management: Reduce NMB dose. Monitor TOF. Reversal may be less effective.
Erythromycin
moderate
Lincosamides and macrolides bind overlapping sites on the 50S ribosomal subunit. Competitive antagonism reduces efficacy of both.
Management: Do not combine. Choose one based on culture results.

Brands

International

Lincocin
Pfizer/Zoetis

India

Lincovet
Virbac India
Lincomix
Intas

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

›What is Lincomycin?
Lincomycin is a lincosamide antibiotic used in pets. Binds to 50S ribosomal subunit, inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis; effective against gram-positive aerobes and anaerobes; penetrates bone well
›What is Lincomycin used for in pets?
Lincomycin is used in veterinary medicine for: Osteomyelitis / Dental infections / Anaerobic infections; Dental / Soft tissue infections.
›What is the Lincomycin dose for dogs?
For dogs, Lincomycin is typically dosed as follows — Osteomyelitis / Dental infections / Anaerobic infections: 15–25 mg/kg PO/IM/IV BID to TID. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What is the Lincomycin dose for cats?
For cats, Lincomycin is typically dosed as follows — Dental / Soft tissue infections: 15–25 mg/kg PO/IM BID. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What are the side effects of Lincomycin?
Common: Diarrhoea, Vomiting, Anorexia. Serious (call your vet immediately): Pseudomembranous colitis, Neuromuscular blockade (rapid IV), Blood dyscrasias.
›Does Lincomycin need a prescription?
Yes. Lincomycin is a prescription medication and should only be administered under veterinary supervision.
›When should Lincomycin not be used?
Do not use Lincomycin if: Known lincosamide hypersensitivity; Rabbits, hamsters, guinea pigs.

References

CDSCO approvals (India) — 2

FDC Lincomycin + Spectinomycin sterile solution
M/s Unichem Bombay · Approved 01.10.1988
Lincomycin + Neomycin +Methyl Prednisolone
M/s Unichem Bombay · Approved 1989-March
Source: CDSCO Veterinary Drug Approval Registry (1969–2026)

References

Textbooks & handbooks

  • Plumb, D.C. Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2023.
  • Vail, D.M., Thamm, D.H., & Liptak, J.M. (eds.). Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology. 6th ed., Saunders/Elsevier, 2020.
  • Riviere, J.E., & Papich, M.G. (eds.). Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2018.
  • National Research Council. Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats. National Academies Press, Washington DC, 2006.
  • The Merck Veterinary Manual. Merck & Co., Online edition. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/

Clinical guidelines & consensus

  • Fletcher, D.J., Boller, M., Brainard, B.M., et al. "RECOVER Evidence and Knowledge Gap Analysis on Veterinary CPR." Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care, 2012;22(S1):S102–S131.
  • American Animal Hospital Association. 2018 AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines for Dogs and Cats. AAHA Press.

Journals & peer-reviewed studies

  • Hogan, D.F., Fox, P.R., Jacob, K., et al. "Secondary prevention of cardiogenic arterial thromboembolism in the cat: The FAT CAT study." Journal of Veterinary Cardiology, 2015;17(Suppl 1):S306–S317.
  • Boswood, A., Häggström, J., Gordon, S.G., et al. "Effect of Pimobendan in Dogs with Preclinical Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease and Cardiomegaly: The EPIC Study — A Randomized Clinical Trial." Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 2016;30(6):1765–1779.
  • ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Toxicology and Poison Management Guidelines. American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control

Regulatory & approvals

  • Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), Government of India. Veterinary Drug Approval Registry, 1969–2026. Directorate General of Health Services. https://cdsco.gov.in/

Databases

  • Washington State University, College of Veterinary Medicine. Veterinary Clinical Pharmacology Laboratory (VCPL) — MDR1 Multidrug Sensitivity Database. https://vcpl.vetmed.wsu.edu/
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →

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Binds to the 50S ribosomal subunit, inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis; active against anaerobes and gram-positive organisms
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