Sometimes, we may not be able to get relief from bacterial infections with regular pills. In such cases, the doctor may prescribe you a stronger antibiotic injection. Lincomycin is a powerful antibiotic that is used to control such bacterial infections. So, let's be fully aware of this medicine, its effectiveness, and side effects, right?
What is Lincomycin?
Simply put, lincomycin is an antibiotic, meaning it kills bacteria in the body and cures infections. It belongs to a group of drugs called antibiotics.
The most important thing to remember is that this medicine cannot cure illnesses caused by viruses (for example, the common cold, flu). It is a medicine that is only given for bacterial infections.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting this medication
Before you start taking lincomycin, you should discuss some things with your doctor. This is because this medicine can interact with other health conditions you may have. See the table below.
| If you have these conditions... | Why is it important to inform the doctor? |
|---|---|
| If you have asthma | Some medications can aggravate asthma, so it's important for the doctor to be aware of this. |
| If you have kidney or liver disease | Because these organs are involved in the process of removing medication from the body, the dosage may need to be adjusted. |
| If you have intestinal diseases (e.g. colitis) | This medicine can sometimes cause conditions such as diarrhea, so if you already have intestinal problems, it should be reported. |
| If you are allergic to lincomycin, clindamycin or any other ingredients | This is essential to prevent a serious allergic reaction. |
| If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant | It is very important to seek medical advice before taking any medication during pregnancy. |
| If you are a breastfeeding mother | The doctor will determine whether there is a possibility that parts of the medicine will pass to the baby through breast milk. |
How will this vaccine be given to you?
This medicine is usually given to you by medical staff in a hospital or clinic. It can be given in two ways:
1. Intramuscular injection: Injecting the vaccine directly into a piece of meat.
2. Intravenous infusion: Giving something like saline into a vein.
However, in some cases, you may need to take this medicine at home. If so, you will be instructed on how to take it and prepare it properly. It is very important to take the correct dose, at the correct time, as instructed. You should complete the prescribed number of days, even if your doctor tells you to stop taking the medicine, even if you feel better.
What do you do with used needles and syringes?
This is very important. Never throw used needles and syringes in the trash. There is a special sharps container for them. If you don't have one, ask your doctor how to get one.
What to do if the medication dose is increased? (Overdose)
If you think you have taken more than the prescribed dose, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice. This is something that should not be delayed even a little.
Things to be careful about when taking medicine
Pay close attention to whether your symptoms improve or worsen while taking the medication. Tell your doctor about this when you see him again.
This medicine can sometimes cause serious skin reactions . These can occur even weeks after starting the medicine.
- A red rash on the skin with fever or a feverish feeling
- These lesions turn purple, then blister and the skin peels off.
- Swelling of the face, lips, or neck or armpits
If you see something like this, don't delay. See your doctor as soon as possible.
Possible side effects
Like any medicine, lincomycin can cause some side effects. However, not everyone gets them. Let's take a look at what these side effects are.
| Side effect | Description |
|---|---|
| Things to report to the doctor immediately | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Serious skin reactions | Redness, blistering, peeling skin (even inside the mouth). |
| Severe diarrhea and fever | Diarrhea that doesn't stop, accompanied by severe stomach pain. |
| Vaginal changes | Women may experience unusual vaginal discharge, itching, or odor. |
| Things that are usually nothing to worry about, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Nausea | Feeling like vomiting. |
| Stomach pain | Feeling a slight stomach ache. |
| Pain at the injection site | Redness, soreness, or slight swelling at the injection site. |
This list does not include all possible side effects. If you notice anything unusual, talk to your doctor.
Take-Home Message
- Lincomycin is an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections . It does not treat viral infections.
- Before starting the medication, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions, allergies, and other medications you are taking.
- If you experience serious symptoms such as severe diarrhea, fever, and skin rashes, seek medical advice immediately .
- Take the full dose of medicine prescribed by your doctor for the full duration. Do not stop taking it halfway.
- This medicine is for you only. Never share it with anyone else.
- Ask medical staff how to safely dispose of used needles and syringes.
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