Lincosamide Antibiotics
Medical Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. Using this site does not create a doctor-patient relationship.
Drug information changes as the FDA updates labeling, and we cannot guarantee it is complete or current. Verify critical details with your pharmacist or physician.
Emergencies: If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 immediately. For a suspected overdose, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222. Report side effects to the FDA MedWatch program at fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.
See our Terms of Use and Editorial Policy.
Overview
Lincosamides are antibiotics that include clindamycin and lincomycin. Clindamycin is particularly valued for its excellent tissue penetration, including bone, and its activity against anaerobic bacteria and certain gram-positive organisms including MRSA.
How do lincosamide antibiotics work?
Lincosamides bind to the 50S ribosomal subunit at the 23S rRNA, inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis by blocking the peptidyl transferase reaction and interfering with aminoacyl-tRNA translocation. They are primarily bacteriostatic but can be bactericidal at higher concentrations or against highly susceptible organisms.
Drugs in this class
- Clindamycin (Cleocin, Cleocin T, Clindagel, Evoclin)