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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

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

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 →

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

Educational reference only

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.

Educational reference only

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.

Educational reference only

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

The PetCare.AI drug reference is built from 13 authoritative sources cited across 580 drug monographs.

Textbooks & handbooks — 5

Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook
Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology
Merck Veterinary Manual
NRC Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats
Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics (Riviere & Papich)

Clinical guidelines & consensus — 4

ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Guidelines
AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines
ASPCA Poison Control Guidelines
RECOVER CPR Guidelines

Journals & peer-reviewed studies — 2

EPIC Study (J Vet Intern Med 2016)
JVIM FAT CAT Study

Regulatory & approvals — 1

CDSCO Veterinary Drug Approval Registry (1969–2026)

Databases — 1

Washington State University VCPL MDR1 Database

Related medicines

Other medicines in the same class (Lincosamide antibiotic).

Clindamycin

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

dogcat