Lincomycin
Lincomycin is a lincosamide antibiotic used to treat serious bacterial infections when other antibiotics like penicillins are not suitable. It is effective against gram-positive bacteria and some anaerobic organisms, making it useful for infections of the respiratory tract, skin, soft tissues, and bones.
Lincomycin is a lincosamide antibiotic used for serious bacterial infections when other antibiotics are inappropriate.
This medication carries a boxed (black box) warning — the strongest type of FDA warning. Review the full prescribing information before use.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- J01FF02
- RxNorm
- 6398
- Generic
- Lincomycin
- Class
- atc-j01
- Brands
- Lincobac, Lincocin, Lincomed
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- solution, capsule
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Lincomycin is used to treat serious infections caused by susceptible bacteria, including respiratory tract infections, skin and soft tissue infections, bone and joint infections, and septicemia. It is often reserved for patients who cannot receive penicillins or cephalosporins.
Lincomycin binds to the 50S ribosomal subunit of bacteria, inhibiting protein synthesis and preventing bacterial growth. It is bacteriostatic at usual concentrations but may be bactericidal at higher concentrations against susceptible organisms.
Lincomycin can cause severe diarrhea, including pseudomembranous colitis. It should not be used in patients hypersensitive to lincosamides. Requires careful monitoring and is typically administered by intramuscular or intravenous injection due to poor oral absorption.
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 25, 2026. · Read our editorial policy