Lincocin

Lincocin

     * Generic Name: lincomycin hcl
     * Brand Name: Lincocin


     * What is lincomycin?
     * What are the possible side effects of lincomycin?
     * What is the most important information I should know about
       lincomycin?
     * What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before
       receiving lincomycin?
     * How is lincomycin given?
     * What happens if I miss a dose?
     * What happens if I overdose?
     * What should I avoid while receiving lincomycin?
     * What other drugs will affect lincomycin?
     * Where can I get more information?

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 are the possible side effects of lincomycin?

   Get emergency medical help if you have 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 urination;
     * blisters or ulcers in your mouth, red or swollen gums, trouble
       swallowing;
     * sudden weakness or ill feeling, fever, chills, swollen glands,
       cough, trouble breathing;
     * jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
     * joint pain, skin sores, rash or itching, easy bruising or
       bleeding;
     * severe skin reaction--fever, sore throat, swelling in your face
       or tongue, burning in your eyes, skin pain followed by a red or
       purple skin rash that spreads (especially in the face or upper
       body) and causes blistering and peeling.

   Common side effects include:
     * diarrhea, stomach pain;
     * 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 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.

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What should I discuss with my healthcare 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.

   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
   medicine.

   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 injections at home. Do not give yourself this
   medicine if you do not understand how to use the injection and properly
   dispose of needles, IV tubing, and other items used.

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

   Use a disposable needle and syringe only once. Follow any state or
   local laws about throwing away used needles and syringes. Use a
   puncture-proof "sharps" disposal container (ask your pharmacist where
   to get one and how to throw it away). Keep this container out of the
   reach of children and pets.

   Use this medicine 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. Lincomycin will not treat a viral infection such as
   the flu or a common cold.

   If you need surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are
   using lincomycin.

   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.

   Lincocin Patient Information including If I Miss a Dose
   Heart Disease:The No. 1 Killer in the U.S.

   Heart Disease Slideshow Pictures
   RxList

   Medical Illustrations of the Heart Image Collection
   RxList

   Take the Heart Disease Quiz!

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 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.
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