What is Lincomycin?
Lincomycin, an antibacterial, is prescribed to people with severe bacterial infections who are unable to use penicillin.Lincomycin should only be used for severe infections. Lincomycin does not work on a virus infection, such as a common cold or the flu.Lincomycin can be used in other ways not mentioned in the medication guide.
Side effects of Lincomycin
If you experience symptoms of an allergy (hives), difficulty breathing (swelling in the face and throat), or severe skin reactions (fever or burning, stinging eyes, pain on your skin, or red, purple, or blistered skin with peeling or blisters), seek emergency medical attention.The overgrowth of bacteria that are normally harmless in your intestines can be caused by antibiotic medicine. Even months after the last dose of antibiotics, this can cause mild or severe diarrhoea. Untreated, this can cause life-threatening gastrointestinal problems.
Lincomycin can cause severe side effects. If you experience:
- Severe stomach pain or diarrhoea (even months after the last dose);
- Little or no urine;
- Blisters or ulcers on your lips; red gums and swelling; difficulty swallowing
- Jaundice
- Low blood counts can cause fever, fatigue, sores on the skin, easy bruises, abnormal bleeding, pale or cold skin, hands and feet that are cold, lightheadedness, or shortness of breath.
This medication can cause diarrhoea in older adults, those with a medical condition, or those who are debilitated.
Side effects that are common include:
- Diarrhoea, stomach pain;
- Nausea, vomiting, swollen, or painful tongue;
- Vaginal itching or discharge
- Itching and rash that is mild
- Ringing in the ears
There may be other side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. Call the FDA to report side effects at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Similar/related drugs
Amoxicillin, Doxycycline, Ciprofloxacin, Ciprofloxacin for ophthalmic use, Cephalexin, azithromycin, azithromycin ophthalmic
Warnings
The overgrowth of bacteria that are normally benign in your intestines can be caused by antibiotic medicine. Even months after the last dose of antibiotics, mild or severe diarrhoea can result. If you experience diarrhoea, call your doctor immediately. This can happen during or shortly after treatment with Lincomycin.Stop using Lincomycin if you experience diarrhoea that is bloody or watery. Call your doctor immediately. Never take anti-diarrhea medication unless you are told to by your doctor. If you stop the diarrhoea, it can worsen an infection in your intestines.
Before you take this drug
If you have an allergy to lincomycin or clindamycin, then lincomycin should be avoided.
Tell your doctor before you take lincomycin if you've had a previous intestinal disorder, such as colitis ulcerative.
If you've ever:
- Asthma;
- Colitis is an example of a digestive disorder.
- Allergies severe;
- Liver or kidney disease
Lincomycin is unknown to cause harm to an unborn child. Inform your doctor that you're pregnant.Breast-feeding may be unsafe while taking this medication. You should consult your physician about possible risks.
How to take dosage of lincomycin?
Lincomycin can be injected directly into the muscle or infused into the vein. Your healthcare provider may give you your first dose and teach you to use it properly.Lincomycin is injected slowly into the vein and can last up to an hour.Lincomycin can be injected into the eye. Before giving the injection, your doctor will administer a medication to anaesthetize your eye. This injection will be given in the doctor's clinic or office.Even if you feel better quickly, continue to take this medication for the entire prescribed time. You can get an infection resistant to the medication if you skip doses. Lincomycin does not work on viral infections such as the flu and a cold.Diarrhoea can occur during or shortly after lincomycin treatment. Call your doctor if you notice any symptoms.You may require frequent medical testing if you are using this medication long-term. Tell your surgeon, if you plan to undergo surgery, that you're taking lincomycin.Keep away from heat and at room temperature.Only use a needle or syringe once, and place it in the "sharps container" to prevent punctures. Be sure to follow local or state laws on how you should dispose of the container. It should be kept out of the reach of pets and children.
Details on dosage
Adult dose for bacterial infection:
IM:
Serious Infections: 600 mg IM once every 24 hours
For more severe infections, 600 mg IM is given every 12 hours.
IV:
Severe infections: 600–1000 mg IV every 8–12 hours. You may need to raise the dose for severe infections.
Infections that are life-threatening: up to 8 g IV daily, divided into doses
Maximum dose: 8 g/day
Once subconjunctivally injected, 75 mg
Comments:
The dose is based on the severity of the infection.
This drug is only for patients who are penicillin-allergic or for those patients where penicillin would be inappropriate.
The maximum daily dose is 8 g.
A subconjunctival injection of a dose results in ocular levels lasting at least five hours, with MICs that are sufficient to kill most susceptible bacteria.
Uses: Treating serious infections caused by susceptible strains such as streptococci, pneumococci, and staphylococci
The usual paediatric dose for bacterial infection is:
More than 1 month old:
IM:
Serious Infections: 10 mg/kg IV every 24 hours
For more severe infections, 10 mg/kg IV every 12 hours is recommended.
Divided doses of 10–20 mg/kg per day (as in adults)
Comments:
The dose is based on the severity of the infection.
This drug is only for patients who are penicillin-allergic or for those patients where penicillin would be inappropriate.
Uses: Treating serious infections caused by susceptible strains such as streptococci, pneumococci, and staphylococci
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you forget to take a dosage, call your doctor.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention.
What should be avoided?
It is possible that antibiotics can lead to diarrhea. This could be an indication of a fresh infection. Call your doctor if you experience diarrhoea that's watery or bleeding. An intestinal infection can worsen if you stop the diarrhoea.
Interaction with other drug
Lincomycin can be affected by other drugs, such as vitamins and herbs. Tell your doctor about all medications you take and any you plan to start or stop taking.
