Lincomycin is the active ingredient of Lincocin (Nappi Code: 738174-009 &
738182-001/028).
General information
Lincomycin is a broad-spectrum antibiotic
effective in treating a variety of bacterial infections including infections of
the respiratory tract, abdominal cavity, as well as certain skin, soft tissue,
bone and joint infection.
It is important to note that this medication is only effective against
bacterial infections - if your infection is the result of a viral or fungal
infection, it will be ineffective.
Antibiotic resistance occurs when a bacterium develops the ability to defend
itself against the effect of an antibiotic. It may also occur with lincomycin.
The most common causes for resistance are patients not completing prescribed
antibiotic courses allowing the bacteria to recover from treatment, and the use
of antibiotics for non-bacterial infections, such as cold and flu.
Lincomycin is best taken with a full glass of water on an empty stomach one
hour before or two hours after a meal, unless otherwise directed by your
doctor.
How does lincomycin work?
Lincomycin functions by inhibiting
bacterial protein synthesis. It prevents bacteria from producing specific
proteins essential for their survival.
Fast facts
Drug schedule: schedule 4
Available as: lincomycin is
available as capsules and as an injection
What does it do? Lincomycin
has an antibiotic action
Overdose risk: low
Dependence risk:
low
Is lincomycin available as a generic? yes
Is lincomycin
available on prescription only? yes
User information
Onset of effect: within 6 hours
Duration of action: up to 12
hours
Stopping this medicine: do not stop using lincomycin before you
have completed the course prescribed by your doctor, even if you begin to feel
better.
Prolonged use: lincomycin is generally used for short periods
of time only. In rare cases it is used for prolonged periods of time - this may
be associated with increased side effects and your prescriber should monitor you
closely.
Special precautions
Consult your doctor before using this drug
if:
- you have liver or kidney disease
- you have colitis, Crohn's disease, or any other intestinal
disorder
- you have asthma
- you are taking other medication
Pregnancy: avoid. It is unknown how this medication may affect your
baby. Consult your doctor before using this drug, or if you are planning to fall
pregnant.
Breastfeeding: avoid. This medication is passed through
breast milk and may affect your baby adversely. Consult your doctor before
use.
Porphyria: avoid. It is unknown how this medication may affect
your condition. Consult your doctor before use.
Infants and children:
this medication is safe for use in children at the recommended dose.
The
elderly: no special precautions need to be taken.
Driving and
hazardous work: no special precautions need to be taken.
Alcohol:
avoid concomitant use of alcohol with this medication.
Possible side effects
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Side Effect
Frequency
Consult your doctor
Common
Rare
Only if severe
In all cases
nausea
X
X
vomiting
X
X
diarrhoea
X
X
abdominal pain
X
X
sore/irritated throat
X
X
rash/itch
X
X
yellow tinge to eyes/skin
X
X
fever/chills
X
X
bloody diarrhoea
X
X
swelling of lips/throat/tongue
X
X
Interactions
| kaolin & pectin mixtures |
should be taken 2 hours before or after antibiotic to prevent a decrease in
antibiotic absorption |
| suxamethonium |
risk of respiratory depression |
| oral contraception |
possible pill failure |
Overdose action
A small overdose is no cause for concern. In case
of intentional large overdose, seek emergency medical attention.
Recommended dosage
Adults: Oral, 500 mg 3-4 times daily; IM, Up
to 1.2 g daily in 2 divided doses
This material is not intended to substitute medical advice, but is
for informational purposes only. Please consult a physician for specific
treatment and recommendations.