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- What is lincomycin (Lincocin), and how does it work (mechanism of action)?
- Lincocin warnings and side effects
- What is the dosage for lincomycin, and how is it administered?
- Which drugs or supplements interact with this drug?
- What brand names are available for lincomycin?
- Is this drug available in generic form?
- Do I need a prescription for this medication?
- What else should I know about this drug?
- Is this drug safe to take if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
What is lincomycin (Lincocin), and how does it work (mechanism of action)?
Lincomycin (Lincocin) is an injectable man-made antibiotic. Lincomycin kills bacteria by interfering with the ability of bacteria to produce important proteins necessary for them to survive. Lincomycin is effective against many types of bacteria including Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus pyogenes, Propionibacterium acnes, and others. The FDA approved lincomycin in December 1964.
Lincocin warnings and side effects
WARNING (Black Box): Rare but sometimes fatal intestinal problems have occurred (pseudomembranous colitis) with use of lincomycin. Therefore, it should only be used to treat serious infections where less toxic antibiotics are not appropriate. It should not be used to treat nonbacterial infections such as upper respiratory infections.
Side effects of lincomycin are:
Like other antibiotics lincomycin can alter the normal bacteria in the colon and encourage overgrowth of some bacteria such as Clostridium difficile which causes inflammation of the colon (pseudomembranous colitis).
Patients who develop signs of pseudomembranous colitis after treatment with lincomycin should contact their doctor or other health care professional immediately. Symptoms may include:
What is the dosage for lincomycin, and how is it administered?
Intramuscular
- Adults: Inject 600 mg every 24 hours. May use 600 mg every 12 hours or more often for severe infections, if needed.
- Pediatric patients of 1 month of age and older: Inject 10 mg/kg every 24 hours. May use 10 mg/kg every 12 hours or more often for severe infections, if needed.
IV
- Adults: Administer 600 mg to 1000 mg every 8 to 12 hours. May increase doses for more severe infections, but the maximum daily dose of 8000 mg of lincomycin is recommended; higher rates and doses have been associated with severe cardiopulmonary reactions.
- Pediatric patients of 1 month of age and older: Administer 10 to 20 mg/kg/day in divided doses over 8 to 12 hours.
Safe and effective use of lincomycin is not established for infants of age less than 1 month old.
Which drugs or supplements interact with this drug?
Lincomycin should be used with caution with neuromuscular blocking medications such as atracurium (Tracrium), pancuronium (Pavulon), rocuronium (Zemuron), succinylcholine (Anectine), and vecuronium. Lincomycin may increase the effects of neuromuscular blockage and lead to respiratory depression.
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Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
