lincomycin

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Pronunciation: LIN koe mye sin

Brand: Lincocin

What is the most important information I should know about lincomycin?

Lincomycin is used only for severe infections. This medicine will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.

Antibiotic medicine can cause overgrowth of normally harmless bacteria in the intestines. This can lead to an infection that causes mild to severe diarrhea, even months after your last antibiotic dose. Call your doctor at the first sign of diarrhea during and shortly after your treatment with lincomycin.

If you have diarrhea that is watery or bloody, stop using lincomycin and call your doctor right away. Do not use anti-diarrhea medicine unless your doctor tells you to. Stopping the diarrhea can make an intestinal infection worse.

What is lincomycin?

Lincomycin is an antibiotic that fights bacteria.

Lincomycin is used to treat severe bacterial infections in people who cannot use penicillin antibiotics.

Lincomycin is used only for a severe infection. This medicine will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.

Lincomycin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my health care provider before receiving lincomycin?

You should not receive this medication if you are allergic to lincomycin or clindamycin.

Antibiotic medicine can cause overgrowth of normally harmless bacteria in the intestines. This can lead to an infection that causes mild to severe diarrhea, even months after your last antibiotic dose. If left untreated this condition can lead to life-threatening intestinal problems. Before you receive lincomycin, tell your doctor if you have a history of intestinal disorder such as ulcerative colitis.

Older adults and those who are ill or debilitated may be more sensitive to the effects of diarrhea caused by this medication.

To make sure lincomycin is safe for you, also tell your doctor if you have:

  • asthma;
  • severe allergies; or
  • liver or kidney disease.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether lincomycin will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication.

Lincomycin can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while using this medicine.

How is lincomycin given?

Lincomycin is injected into a muscle, or into a vein through an IV. You may be shown how to use an IV at home. Do not self-inject this medicine if you do not understand how to give the injection and properly dispose of used needles, IV tubing, and other items used to inject the medicine.

Lincomycin is usually given every 12 to 24 hours. Follow your doctor's instructions.

Use a disposable needle only once, then throw away in a puncture-proof container (ask your pharmacist where you can get one and how to dispose of it). Keep this container out of the reach of children and pets.

Use this medication for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Skipping doses may also increase your risk of further infection that is resistant to antibiotics.

Call your doctor at the first sign of diarrhea during and shortly after your treatment with lincomycin.

If you use this medication long-term, you may need frequent medical tests at your doctor's office. Your kidney and liver function may also need to be checked.

If you store this medication at home, keep at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Since lincomycin is usually given by a healthcare professional, it is not likely that you will miss a dose. If you are using lincomycin at home, call your doctor for instructions if you miss a dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while receiving lincomycin?

Do not use anti-diarrhea medicine (loperamide, Imodium, Kaopectate, Pepto-Bismol, etc) unless your doctor tells you to. Stopping any diarrhea that is caused by antibiotic medicine can make this condition worse.

What are the possible side effects of lincomycin?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

If you have diarrhea that is watery or bloody, stop using lincomycin and call your doctor right away.

Also call your doctor at once if you have:

  • little or no urinating;
  • blisters or ulcers in your mouth, red or swollen gums, trouble swallowing;
  • sudden weakness or ill feeling, fever, chills, swollen glands, cough, trouble breathing; or
  • joint pain, skin sores, rash or itching, easy bruising or bleeding.

Common side effects include:

  • nausea, vomiting, swollen or painful tongue;
  • vaginal itching or discharge;
  • rectal itching;
  • mild itching or skin rash;
  • ringing in your ears; or
  • dizziness, spinning feeling.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect lincomycin?

Other drugs may interact with lincomycin, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using.

Where can I get more information?

Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about lincomycin.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

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