Sometimes when you get sick, especially if you have a bacterial infection, your doctor will prescribe a shot, right? Lincomycin is a strong antibiotic that is used in such cases. You or someone you know may have been given this shot. So today, let's talk in detail about this medicine, its effects, side effects, and things to be careful about while using it.
What exactly is Lincomycin?
Simply put, Lincomycin is an antibiotic that belongs to the lincosamide class. Its main function is to fight and destroy certain types of bacteria that enter our bodies and cause infections.
The most important thing to keep in mind is that this medicine only works for bacterial infections . It does not cure viral infections like colds, flu, and coughs. Therefore, it is not advisable to use this medicine without the advice of a doctor.
Things you need to tell your doctor before using this medicine
Before you receive this vaccine, it is very important that your doctor knows your medical history. This is because some medical conditions can make it more dangerous to use this medicine. Therefore, if you have any of the following conditions, be sure to tell your doctor.
| Health condition to be reported | Why is that important? |
|---|---|
| If you have asthma | Some medications can aggravate asthma. |
| If you have kidney or liver disease | Because this organ is involved in the process of removing medication from the body, the dosage of the medication may need to be changed. |
| Intestinal diseases such as colitis | This medicine may affect the intestines, so it is important to inform your doctor if you have any pre-existing medical conditions. |
| Allergies to other medicines, foods, or substances | This is especially important if you are allergic to medications such as lincomycin and clindamycin. |
| If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant | To consider the possible effects on the baby in the womb. |
| If a mother is breastfeeding her child | To consider whether the medicine has the potential to pass to the baby through breast milk. |
How do you use this medicine?
This medicine is usually given as an injection . It is given directly into a muscle or through a vein as a saline solution. This is often done by a medical professional in a hospital or clinic.
However, in some special cases, if you need to get this vaccine at home, you will be clearly taught how to prepare it correctly and how to inject it. It is very important to take the medicine exactly as instructed, at the right time . Never take more or more often than your doctor has prescribed.
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 container for them (sharps container). If you don't have one, ask your doctor about how to get one.
Do you give this to small children?
Yes, this medicine can be prescribed to children as young as one month for some selected medical conditions. However, special precautions must be followed. Therefore, if a child is being given this medicine, it is essential to discuss it thoroughly with the pediatrician.
Attention: What if I take too much medicine? (Overdosage)
If you think you have taken more of this medicine than prescribed, do not delay . Immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Or go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
What if I miss a dose of medicine?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the scheduled time. Do not take a double dose for any reason.
Other drugs that may interact with this medicine (Interactions)
Some medications can cause unwanted reactions (interactions) when taken with lincomycin. Therefore, it is very important to tell your doctor about all medications you are taking.
In particular, do not take lincomycin with the following medications:
- Clindamycin
- Macrolide antibiotics such as azithromycin, clarithromycin, and erythromycin
In addition, problems can also occur with:
- Birth control pills
- Some medications used during surgery
This list is not complete. So tell your doctor about all the medications you take (including vitamins, herbal remedies, and supplements), and if you smoke or drink alcohol.
Things to be careful about when taking medicine
If your symptoms do not improve after you start using the medication, or if they worsen, tell your doctor immediately.
Important: If you develop diarrhea while taking this medication, do not take over-the-counter medications . If you have diarrhea for more than two days, or if you have diarrhea that is accompanied by a lot of watery liquid, talk to your doctor immediately. This could be a sign of a serious side effect of this medication.
Side effects that may occur due to medication
Like any medicine, lincomycin can cause side effects in some people. Some are serious, while others are mild. It is important to be aware of these.
| Side effect | Description |
|---|---|
| Serious side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or tongue. |
| Difficulty breathing | Shortness of breath, rapid breathing. |
| Dizziness or loss of consciousness | Dizziness , fainting, falls. |
| Abnormalities in heart rate or blood pressure | Rapid, irregular heartbeat. |
| Difficulty urinating | Pain during urination, decreased urine output. |
| Skin blisters or sores | Skin redness, blistering, peeling (even inside the mouth). |
| Ringing in the ears | Hearing a sound inside the ear. |
| Abnormal bleeding | Easy bruising, bleeding that won't stop. |
| Yellowing of the eyes or skin | Symptoms of jaundice. |
| Things that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Mouth sores | Mouth sores. |
| Nausea, vomiting | Nausea, vomiting. |
| Pain and swelling at the injection site | Pain, swelling or irritation at the injection site. |
| Rectal itch | Itching around the rectum. |
| Vaginal irritation | Vaginal itching and inflammation. |
Take-Home Message
- Lincomycin is a powerful antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections. It does not work against viral infections.
- Tell your doctor about all your other medical conditions, medications you are taking, and allergies before taking the medication.
- If you experience severe diarrhea while taking the medication, do not take the medication on your own and seek medical advice immediately.
- If you experience any serious side effects such as facial swelling, difficulty breathing, or skin blisters, notify your doctor immediately.
- This medicine is prescribed for you only. Never share it with others.
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