Lincocin (Lincomycin)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Lincocin Used For?
Lincocin contains lincomycin, a powerful antibiotic that fights serious bacterial infections by killing bacteria or stopping their growth.
Primary Uses
Lincocin treats serious bacterial infections including ear, throat and lung infections; skin infections; bone and joint infections; blood infections; heart infections; and intestinal infections. It’s particularly useful for patients allergic to penicillin or when penicillin-type antibiotics aren’t suitable.
How It Works
Lincocin belongs to a group of medicines called lincosamides. It works by killing bacteria or preventing their growth, helping your body fight off the infection.
Important: Lincocin should not be used for minor bacterial infections, viral infections like colds or flu, or infections around the brain or spinal cord.
How Lincocin Is Given
Lincocin is administered only by healthcare professionals in a medical setting. You cannot take this medication at home.
Administration Method
Lincocin is given either as an injection directly into a muscle or as a slow infusion (drip) into a vein over at least 60 minutes. Your doctor will determine the right dose and treatment duration based on your specific infection and medical condition.
Important: The slow infusion method helps prevent severe reactions. Never attempt to self-administer this medication.
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- pain, irritation, redness, swelling, lump or abscess at injection site
- vaginal thrush (sore and itchy vagina and/or white discharge)
- diarrhea
- nausea, vomiting
- sore mouth or tongue
- rash and itching of skin
- itching around the bottom
- hearing loss or unusual sounds or ringing in the ears
- dizziness, spinning sensation
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- severe diarrhea with blood and mucus, stomach pain and fever
- stomach pain and severe discomfort
- chest pain and irregular heartbeat during administration
- sudden skin allergy with rash, itching or hives
- peeling of the skin
- life-threatening allergic reaction with swelling causing difficulty swallowing or breathing
- blisters or ulcers on skin, mouth or airways
- reddish or purplish blotches under skin or unusual bleeding/bruising
- jaundice (yellowing of eyes or skin)
- passing less urine or dark urine
- feeling dizzy and light-headed
- tiredness, headaches, shortness of breath when exercising
- dizziness and looking pale
Important Warnings
Before receiving Lincocin, it’s crucial to inform your healthcare team about your medical history and current medications to ensure safe treatment.
Who Should Not Take Lincocin
Do not use Lincocin if you’re allergic to lincomycin, clindamycin, or benzyl alcohol. It should not be given to newborns under 4 weeks of age or used for minor bacterial or viral infections like colds or flu.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have or have had: asthma or allergies, sensitivity to penicillin, stomach or gut problems including colitis, kidney problems, liver problems, or thrush/yeast infections in your mouth, skin, or genitals.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
If you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant, your doctor will discuss the benefits and risks of treatment. Lincocin passes into breast milk and is not recommended while breastfeeding. Discuss the need for additional contraception during treatment.
Elderly Patients: Patients over 65 years of age may have a greater chance of complications from diarrhea.
Children and Infants: Use with caution in premature and newborn babies. Infants and children may be at risk of benzyl alcohol toxicity, especially those born prematurely or with low birth weight.
Drug Interactions
Some medications may interfere with Lincocin or affect how well it works. Always inform your healthcare team about all medications you’re taking.
Important: Tell all doctors, dentists, and pharmacists that you’re receiving Lincocin injection, especially before starting any new medicines.
- muscle-relaxing medicines used during surgery or in intensive care
- opioid medicines used to treat severe pain
- medicines used to stop diarrhea
Alcohol & Driving
While receiving Lincocin treatment, be aware of how the medication might affect your ability to perform daily activities safely.
Alcohol
No specific information is available about alcohol interactions with Lincocin. Consult your healthcare provider for guidance.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Be careful driving or operating machinery until you know how Lincocin affects you. The medication can cause side effects like dizziness or vertigo that may impair your ability to drive or operate machinery safely.
Storage
Lincocin injection is stored by healthcare professionals in the pharmacy or hospital ward under proper conditions. You don’t need to worry about storage as this medication is only given in medical settings.
Overdose Information
Since Lincocin is given under close medical supervision, overdose is very unlikely. However, if you experience severe side effects, especially severe diarrhea with watery discharge and fever, tell your doctor or nurse immediately. Overdose symptoms may include serious bowel pain and diarrhea, kidney, liver and blood problems, and dermatitis.
Frequently Asked Questions
You should see improvement in your infection symptoms within a few days. If symptoms don’t improve or become worse within a few days, contact your doctor immediately.
No, never stop treatment without checking with your doctor. If you don’t complete the full course, some bacteria may survive and your infection may not clear completely or may return.
Contact your doctor immediately if you develop severe diarrhea, especially if it contains blood and mucus or occurs with fever. This can happen even weeks after treatment ends and may require urgent medical care.
Elderly patients over 65 may have a greater chance of complications from diarrhea. Your doctor will monitor you carefully during treatment.
Some medications can interfere with Lincocin, including muscle relaxants, opioid pain medicines, and anti-diarrheal medications. Always tell your healthcare team about all medications you’re taking.
Monitor for signs of allergic reactions, severe diarrhea, chest pain, shortness of breath, severe skin problems, or thrush. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if any of these occur.
Your doctor will discuss the benefits and risks if you’re pregnant. Lincocin passes into breast milk and is not recommended while breastfeeding. Discuss contraception needs during treatment.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.