Lincomycin
Introduction To Lincomycin
Lincomycin is an antibiotic medicine that fights bacteria and is used to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections. It is effective in infections of the lungs (eg. pneumonia), stomach, skin and soft tissues, bones and joints, blood, and heart.
Lincomycin works by stopping the growth of bacteria. This helps to improve your symptoms and cure the underlying infection. It is given as a drip (intravenous infusion) or as an injection directly into a vein or a muscle under the supervision of a healthcare professional. Your doctor will decide the correct dose for you. You should use this medicine regularly at evenly spaced intervals as per the schedule prescribed by your doctor. Do not skip any doses and finish the full course of treatment even if you feel better. Stopping the medicine too early may lead to the infection returning or worsening.
The most common side effects of this medicine include stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Some people may develop temporary redness or pain at the site of injection. These side effects are usually mild but let your doctor know if they bother you or do not go away.
Before using it, you should tell your doctor if you have any liver or kidney problems, if you have any problems with your bowels (intestines) or if you have ever had bloody diarrhea caused by taking antibiotics. You should also let your healthcare team know all other medicines you are taking as they may affect, or be affected by this medicine. Pregnant and breastfeeding mothers should consult their doctor before using it.
Uses of Lincomycin
- Bacterial infections
Benefits of Lincomycin
Bacterial infections
Lincomycin is a versatile antibiotic medicine that works by stopping the
growth of bacteria in your body. It is injected by a doctor or a nurse either
into a vein or a muscle. This medicine is used to treat many different types
of infections such as those of lungs (pneumonia), stomach, skin & soft
tissues, bones & joints, blood, and heart.
This medicine usually makes you feel better within a few days, but you should continue taking it as prescribed even when you feel better. Stopping it early may make the infection come back and harder to treat.
Side effects of Lincomycin
Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them
Severe side effects of Liod
- Vomiting
- Headache
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Skin rash
- Dizziness
- Itching
- Ringing in ear
- Vertigo
- Glossitis (tongue inflammation)
- Stomatitis (Inflammation of the mouth)
- Abdominal pain
- Vaginal infection
- Decreased blood cells (red cells, white cells, and platelets)
- Agranulocytosis (deficiency of granulocytes in the blood)
- Aplastic anemia
- Anaphylactic reaction
- Decreased white blood cell count (lymphocytes)
- Decreased white blood cell count (neutrophils)
- Jaundice
- Abnormal liver function tests
- Urticaria
- Sleepiness
- Injection site reaction
- Hypotension (low blood pressure)
- Renal impairment
- Toxic epidermal necrolysis
- Stevens-Johnson syndrome
- Pseudomembranous colitis
How to use Lincomycin
Your doctor or nurse will give you this medicine. Kindly do not self administer.
How Lincomycin works
Lincomycin is an antibiotic. It works by preventing synthesis of essential proteins required by bacteria to carry out vital functions. Thus, it stops the bacteria from growing, and prevents the infection from spreading.
Quick tips
- Your doctor has prescribed Lincomycin to cure your infection and improve symptoms.
- Do not skip any doses and finish the full course of treatment even if you feel better. Stopping it early may make the infection to come back and harder to treat.
- Diarrhea may occur as a side effect but should stop when your course is complete. Inform your doctor if it doesn't stop or if you find blood in your stools.
- Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding before you start treatment with this antibiotic.
- Stop taking Lincomycin and inform your doctor immediately if you develop an itchy rash, swelling of the face, throat or tongue or breathing difficulties while taking it.
Safety Advice
PregnancyCONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Can I take Lincomycin if I’m pregnant?
Lincomycin may be unsafe to use during pregnancy. Although there are limited studies in humans, animal studies have shown harmful effects on the developing baby. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and any potential risks before prescribing it to you. Please consult your doctor.
BreastfeedingSAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Can I take Lincomycin if I’m breastfeeding?
Lincomycin is safe to use during breastfeeding. Human studies suggest that the drug does not pass into the breastmilk in a significant amount and is not harmful to the baby. There may be a possibility of diarrhea or rash in the baby.
AlcoholSAFE
Is drinking alcohol while taking Lincomycin safe?
Consuming alcohol with Lincomycin does not cause any harmful side effects.
DrivingCONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Can I drive after taking Lincomycin?
It is not known whether Lincomycin alters the ability to drive. Do not drive if you experience any symptoms that affect your ability to concentrate and react.
KidneyCAUTION
Can I take Lincomycin if I have/had kidney diseases?
Lincomycin should be used with caution in patients with kidney disease. Dose adjustment of Lincomycin may be needed. Please consult your doctor.
LiverCAUTION
Can I take Lincomycin if I have/had liver diseases?
Lincomycin should be used with caution in patients with liver disease. Dose adjustment of Lincomycin may be needed. Please consult your doctor. Liver function tests are advisable if you have to take this medicine for a long time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What if I don't get better after using Lincomycin?
Inform your doctor if you don't feel better after finishing the full course of treatment. Also, inform him if your symptoms are getting worse while using this medicine.
Q. Can the use of Lincomycin cause diarrhea?
Yes, the use of Lincomycin can cause diarrhea. It is an antibiotic which kills the harmful bacteria. However, it also affects the helpful bacteria in your stomach or intestine and causes diarrhea. If you are experiencing severe diarrhea, talk to your doctor about it.
Q. How long does Lincomycin take to work?
Usually, Lincomycin starts working soon after taking it. However, it may take some days to kill all the harmful bacteria and make you feel better.
Q. How is Lincomycin administered?
Lincomycin is administered under the supervision of a trained healthcare professional or a doctor and should not be self administered. The dose will depend on the condition you are being treated for and will be decided by your doctor. Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully to get maximum benefit from Lincomycin.
Q. Is Lincomycin effective?
Lincomycin is generally safe to use. However, you should take it in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. It may cause some side effects that are temporary and usually resolve on their own. Your doctor will tell you ways to cope up with them.Lincomycin is effective if used in the dose and duration advised by your doctor. Do not stop taking it even if you see improvement in your condition. If you stop using Lincomycin too early, the symptoms may return or worsen.
Q. Is Lincomycin safe?
Lincomycin is generally safe to use. However, you should take it in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. It may cause some side effects that are temporary and usually resolve on their own. Your doctor will tell you ways to cope up with them.
References
Written By:
Dr Advikka Ridhy
MBBS
RMO, Aster MIMS
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