Lincomycin
Lincomycin mainly targets susceptible gram-positive organisms and Mycoplasma; clindamycin is often preferred for small animals.
Group
Lincosamide antibacterial
Mechanism of Action
Binds the bacterial 50S ribosomal subunit and inhibits protein synthesis.
Dose Rates
Dogs
| Use / stage | Dose | Route | Schedule | Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Susceptible bacterial infection | 22 mg/kg | PO | Every 12 h | |
| Susceptible bacterial infection | 22 mg/kg | IV | Every 24 h | Administer slowly. |
| Susceptible bacterial infection | 11 mg/kg | IV | Every 12 h | Divided-dose alternative; administer slowly. |
| Skin and soft-tissue infection | 15.4 mg/kg | PO | Every 8 h | Superficial pyoderma courses 21-42 days; deep/resistant infection may require 56 days. |
| Superficial pyoderma | 20 mg/kg | PO | Every 12 h | |
| Susceptible bacterial infection | 22 mg/kg | IM, SC | Every 24 h | Up to 12 days |
| Susceptible bacterial infection | 11 mg/kg | IM, SC | Every 12 h | Up to 12 days |
| Bacteraemia or sepsis | 11–22 mg/kg | IV | Every 8 h | Up to 12 days; Dilute and infuse slowly. |
Cats
| Use / stage | Dose | Route | Schedule | Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Susceptible bacterial infection | 22 mg/kg | PO | Every 12 h | |
| Susceptible bacterial infection | 22 mg/kg | IV | Every 24 h | Administer slowly. |
| Susceptible bacterial infection | 11 mg/kg | IV | Every 12 h | Divided-dose alternative; administer slowly. |
| Skin and soft-tissue infection | 11 mg/kg | IM | Every 12 h | Up to 12 days |
| Skin and soft-tissue infection | 22 mg/kg | IM | Every 24 h | Up to 12 days |
| Systemic bacterial infection | 15 mg/kg | PO | Every 8 h | Up to 12 days |
Pigs
| Use / stage | Dose | Route | Schedule | Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Swine dysentery | Reference only | PO | 250 mg per gallon drinking water as the only water reported guidance for 5-10 days; reported guidance estimates about 8.4 mg/kg/day. Actual water intake controls exposure, so the estimate is not an exact universal dose. | |
| Mycoplasma infection | 11 mg/kg | IM | Every 24 h | Up to 7 days; Course 3-5 days. Separate 3-7-day source alternative. |
Cattle
| Use / stage | Dose | Route | Schedule | Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Historical septic arthritis, mastitis and abscess treatment | 5 mg/kg | IM | Every 24 h | Up to 7 days; Reported course 5-7 days; current monograph does not recommend routine use. |
| Historical refractory infection treatment | 10 mg/kg | IM | Every 12 h | Current monograph does not recommend routine use. |
Sheep
| Use / stage | Dose | Route | Schedule | Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Historical septic arthritis treatment | 5 mg/kg | IM | Every 24 h | Up to 5 days; Reported course 3-5 days; current monograph does not recommend routine use. |
Ferrets
| Use / stage | Dose | Route | Schedule | Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Susceptible bacterial infection | 10–15 mg/kg | PO | Every 8 h | |
| Susceptible bacterial infection | 10 mg/kg | IM | Every 12 h |
Indications
- Susceptible skin and soft-tissue infections
- Swine Mycoplasma disease and dysentery
- Historical ruminant septic arthritis and mastitis uses
Contraindications
- Oral use in horses, rabbits, rodents and ruminants can cause severe or fatal enteritis.
Interactions
- Cross-resistance with macrolides and clindamycin may occur.
Adverse effects
- Vomiting and diarrhoea
- Severe dysbiosis and enteritis in susceptible herbivores
Toxicity
Stop treatment for severe gastrointestinal reactions; assess hydration and enteritis.
Preparations
| Preparation | Form | Strength | Route |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lincomycin 100 mg tablet | Tablet | 100 mg / tablet | PO |
| Lincomycin 200 mg tablet | Tablet | 200 mg / tablet | PO |
| Lincomycin 500 mg tablet | Tablet | 500 mg / tablet | PO |
| Lincomycin 25 mg/mL injection | Injection | 25 mg / mL | IV, IM |
| Lincomycin 50 mg/mL injection | Injection | 50 mg / mL | IV, IM |
| Lincomycin 100 mg/mL injection | Injection | 100 mg / mL | IV, IM |
| Lincomycin 300 mg/mL injection | Injection | 300 mg / mL | IV, IM |
| Lincomycin 50 mg/mL oral drops | Oral Liquid | 50 mg / mL | PO |
Monitoring and Administration
Use susceptibility testing when feasible.
Give IV injections slowly. Source ruminant injection regimens are historical and the monograph states that these uses are not currently recommended.
Canine pyoderma alternative totals 40-50 mg/kg/day split into two or three doses; do not give the whole daily total at each administration. Swine feed medication is described as 200 g/ton for 21 days; actual feed intake and the ton definition must be established.