Lincomycin

Lincomycin In Dogs & Cats: Uses, Dosage and Side Effects

Overview

• Binds to 50S ribosomal subunit inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis with a time-dependent mechanism.
• Being a weak base, it is ion-trapped in the fluid that is more acidic than the plasma and therefore concentrates in prostatic fluid, milk and intracellular fluid.

Uses of Lincomycin

• Active against Gram-positive cocci (including penicillin-resistant staphylococci) and many obligate anaerobes.
• The lincosamides (lincomycin and clindamycin) are particularly indicated for staphylococcal bone and joint infections.
• Clindamycin is more active than lincomycin, particularly against obligate anaerobes, and
  is better absorbed from the gut.
• Administer slowly if using i.v. route.

Dose of Lincomycin in Dogs and Cats

Dogs, Cats:

• Parenteral: 22 mg/kg i.m. q24h or 11 mg/kg i.m. q12h or 11–22 mg/kg slow i.v. q12–24h.
• Oral: 22 mg/kg p.o. q12h or 15 mg/kg p.o. q8h.

Side Effects of Lincomycin in Dogs and Cats

• Human patients on lincomycin may develop colitis.
• Patients developing diarrhoea (particularly if it is haemorrhagic) while taking the medication should be monitored carefully.
• Toxicity is a possibility in patients with liver disease; weigh the risk versus the potential benefits before use of this drug in such patients.

Contraindications of Lincomycin in Dogs and Cats

• Rapid i.v. administration should be avoided since this can result in collapse due to cardiac depression and peripheral neuromuscular blockade.

Some Notes:

• The action of neuromuscular blocking agents may be enhanced if given with lincomycin.
• The absorption of lincomycin may be reduced by kaolin.
• Lincosamide antimicrobials should not be used in combination with chloramphenicol or
  macrolides as these combinations are antagonistic.