Lincocin Vial 300mg/ml, 2ml

Manufacturer PFIZER U.S. Active Ingredient Lincomycin(lin koe MYE sin) Pronunciation LIN-koe-MYE-sin
WARNING: Diarrhea is common with antibiotics. Rarely, a severe form called C diff?associated diarrhea (CDAD) may happen. Sometimes, this has led to a deadly bowel problem. CDAD may happen during or a few months after taking antibiotics. Call your doctor right away if you have stomach pain, cramps, or very loose, watery, or bloody stools. Check with your doctor before treating diarrhea.This drug must only be used for very bad bacterial infections, and when other drugs cannot be used. Talk with the doctor to be sure that the benefits of this drug are more than the risks. @ COMMON USES: It is used to treat bacterial infections.
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Drug Class
Antibiotic
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Pharmacologic Class
Lincosamide antibiotic
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Pregnancy Category
Category C
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FDA Approved
Dec 1964
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DEA Schedule
Not Controlled

Overview

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What is this medicine?

Lincomycin is an antibiotic medication given by injection (into a muscle or vein) to treat serious bacterial infections. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria. It is important to complete the full course of treatment, even if you start feeling better.
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How to Use This Medicine

Taking Your Medication

To use this medication correctly, follow your doctor's instructions and read all the information provided to you. It is essential to follow the instructions carefully. This medication is administered either as an injection into a muscle or as an infusion into a vein over a specified period.

Storing and Disposing of Your Medication

If you need to store this medication at home, consult with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist to determine the proper storage method.

Missing a Dose

If you miss a dose, contact your doctor to receive guidance on what to do next.
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Lifestyle & Tips

  • Report any severe or persistent diarrhea immediately to your doctor.
  • Stay well-hydrated during treatment.
  • Do not take antidiarrheal medications without consulting your doctor if you develop diarrhea, as this can worsen C. difficile infection.
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Available Forms & Alternatives

Dosing & Administration

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Adult Dosing

Standard Dose: IM: 600 mg every 24 hours or 600 mg every 12 hours for more severe infections. IV: 600 mg to 1 g every 8-12 hours, up to 8 g/day for severe infections.
Dose Range: 600 - 8000 mg

Condition-Specific Dosing:

severeInfections: IM: 600 mg every 12 hours. IV: 1 g every 8 hours or more frequently, up to 8 g/day.
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Pediatric Dosing

Neonatal: Not established (use with caution, monitor for adverse effects)
Infant: IM: 10 mg/kg every 24 hours. IV: 10-20 mg/kg/day in 2-3 divided doses.
Child: IM: 10 mg/kg every 24 hours or 10 mg/kg every 12 hours for more severe infections. IV: 10-20 mg/kg/day in 2-3 divided doses.
Adolescent: IM: 10 mg/kg every 24 hours or 10 mg/kg every 12 hours for more severe infections. IV: 10-20 mg/kg/day in 2-3 divided doses (or adult dose if weight > 50 kg).
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Dose Adjustments

Renal Impairment:

Mild: No specific adjustment needed.
Moderate: Administer 25-30% of the usual dose.
Severe: Administer 25-30% of the usual dose.
Dialysis: Lincomycin is not effectively removed by hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis. Administer dose after dialysis.

Hepatic Impairment:

Mild: No specific adjustment needed.
Moderate: Administer 25-30% of the usual dose.
Severe: Administer 25-30% of the usual dose.

Pharmacology

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Mechanism of Action

Lincomycin is a lincosamide antibiotic that inhibits bacterial protein synthesis by binding to the 50S ribosomal subunit, thereby preventing peptide bond formation and inhibiting the translocation of peptidyl tRNA. This action is primarily bacteriostatic, but may be bactericidal at higher concentrations against highly susceptible organisms.
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Pharmacokinetics

Absorption:

Bioavailability: Not applicable (IV/IM formulation). Oral bioavailability is 20-30%.
Tmax: IM: 30-60 minutes. IV: Immediately after infusion.
FoodEffect: Not applicable (IV/IM formulation).

Distribution:

Vd: 0.3-0.4 L/kg
ProteinBinding: 72-77%
CnssPenetration: Limited (poor penetration into CSF, even with inflamed meninges)

Elimination:

HalfLife: 4-6 hours (prolonged in renal/hepatic impairment)
Clearance: Not available
ExcretionRoute: Renal (10-20% as active drug), biliary/fecal (25-40% as active drug)
Unchanged: Approximately 10-20% (renal), 25-40% (fecal)
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Pharmacodynamics

OnsetOfAction: Rapid (within minutes for IV, 30-60 minutes for IM)
PeakEffect: Within 30-60 minutes (IM), immediately after infusion (IV)
DurationOfAction: 6-12 hours (depending on dose and infection severity)
Confidence: Medium

Safety & Warnings

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BLACK BOX WARNING

Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD) has been reported with use of nearly all antibacterial agents, including lincomycin, and may range in severity from mild diarrhea to fatal colitis. Treatment with antibacterial agents alters the normal flora of the colon leading to overgrowth of C. difficile. If CDAD is suspected or confirmed, ongoing antibacterial drug use not directed against C. difficile may need to be discontinued. Appropriate fluid and electrolyte management, protein supplementation, antibacterial treatment of C. difficile, and surgical evaluation should be instituted as clinically indicated.
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Side Effects

Urgent Side Effects: Seek Medical Help Right Away

Although rare, some people may experience severe and potentially life-threatening side effects while taking this medication. If you notice any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor or seek immediate medical attention:

Signs of an allergic reaction, such as:
+ Rash
+ Hives
+ Itching
+ Red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin (with or without fever)
+ Wheezing
+ Tightness in the chest or throat
+ Trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking
+ Unusual hoarseness
+ Swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat
Urination problems, such as inability to pass urine or changes in urine output
Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
Mouth irritation or mouth sores
Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
Pale skin
Fever, chills, or sore throat
Unexplained bruising or bleeding
Feeling extremely tired or weak
Vaginal itching or discharge
Chest pain or pressure
Severe dizziness or fainting

Severe Skin Reactions

This medication can cause severe skin reactions, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), and other severe skin reactions. Seek medical help immediately if you experience:

Red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin
Skin irritation (with or without fever)
Red or irritated eyes
Sores in your mouth, throat, nose, or eyes

Other Possible Side Effects

Like all medications, this drug can cause side effects. While many people may not experience any side effects or only minor ones, it's essential to discuss any concerns with your doctor. If you experience any of the following side effects or any other symptoms that bother you or do not go away, contact your doctor:

Diarrhea
Upset stomach or vomiting
Stomach pain
Dizziness or drowsiness
Headache
Irritation at the injection site

Reporting Side Effects

This list is not exhaustive, and you may experience other side effects. If you have questions or concerns about side effects, contact your doctor. You can also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or online at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
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Seek Immediate Medical Attention If You Experience:

  • Severe, watery, or bloody diarrhea (even weeks after stopping the medication)
  • Severe stomach pain or cramps
  • Rash, hives, itching
  • Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
  • Difficulty breathing or swallowing
  • Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
  • Unusual bleeding or bruising
  • Sore throat, fever, chills (signs of infection or blood problems)
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Before Using This Medicine

Before Taking This Medication: Important Information to Share with Your Doctor

It is essential to inform your doctor about the following:

Any allergies you have, including allergies to this medication, any of its components, or other substances, such as foods or drugs. Be sure to describe the allergic reaction you experienced, including any symptoms that occurred.
If you are currently using any products that contain erythromycin.

This is not an exhaustive list of all potential interactions with this medication. Therefore, it is crucial to discuss all of your medications, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs, natural products, and vitamins, with your doctor and pharmacist. Additionally, share any existing health problems with your doctor to ensure safe use.

To guarantee your safety, do not start, stop, or modify the dosage of any medication without first consulting your doctor. It is vital to verify that it is safe to take this medication in conjunction with all of your other medications and health conditions.
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Precautions & Cautions

It is essential to inform all your healthcare providers, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists, that you are taking this medication. If you are taking this drug for an extended period, your doctor may recommend regular blood tests to monitor your condition.

Do not take this medication for longer than prescribed, as this can increase the risk of a second infection. Older adults, particularly those 65 years or older, should use this medication with caution, as they may be more susceptible to side effects.

This medication contains benzyl alcohol, which can be harmful to newborns and infants. If possible, avoid using products that contain benzyl alcohol in these age groups, as high doses or combination with other benzyl alcohol-containing products can cause serious side effects. If you have any concerns, consult your doctor.

If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding, inform your doctor. You and your doctor will need to discuss the potential benefits and risks of this medication to both you and your baby.
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Overdose Information

Overdose Symptoms:

  • Gastrointestinal upset (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea)
  • Hypotension (low blood pressure)
  • Respiratory depression (especially if given with neuromuscular blockers)

What to Do:

There is no specific antidote. Treatment is supportive and symptomatic. Hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis are not effective in removing lincomycin. Call 1-800-222-1222 (Poison Control Center) or seek emergency medical attention.

Drug Interactions

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Major Interactions

  • Neuromuscular blocking agents (e.g., succinylcholine, rocuronium): May enhance neuromuscular blockade, leading to respiratory depression or paralysis.
  • Kaolin-pectin: May significantly reduce oral absorption of lincomycin (not relevant for injectable, but important for patient education if switching).
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Moderate Interactions

  • Erythromycin: May antagonize the antibacterial effect of lincomycin due to competitive binding at the 50S ribosomal subunit.
  • Opioid analgesics: Increased risk of respiratory depression when used concurrently with neuromuscular blocking agents potentiated by lincomycin.

Monitoring

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Baseline Monitoring

Renal function (BUN, creatinine)

Rationale: To establish baseline and guide dose adjustment in renal impairment.

Timing: Prior to initiation of therapy.

Hepatic function (ALT, AST, bilirubin)

Rationale: To establish baseline and guide dose adjustment in hepatic impairment.

Timing: Prior to initiation of therapy.

Complete Blood Count (CBC) with differential

Rationale: To establish baseline and monitor for potential hematologic abnormalities (e.g., neutropenia, leukopenia, agranulocytosis, thrombocytopenic purpura) with prolonged therapy.

Timing: Prior to initiation of therapy, especially for prolonged courses.

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Routine Monitoring

Clinical response to therapy (e.g., fever, signs of infection)

Frequency: Daily during acute phase, then as clinically indicated.

Target: Resolution of signs/symptoms of infection.

Action Threshold: Lack of improvement or worsening symptoms may indicate treatment failure or resistance.

Bowel movements (frequency, consistency)

Frequency: Daily

Target: Normal bowel habits.

Action Threshold: Development of severe, persistent diarrhea, especially if bloody or mucoid, warrants immediate investigation for C. difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD).

Injection site for IM/IV administration

Frequency: Daily

Target: Absence of pain, redness, swelling, or induration.

Action Threshold: Signs of phlebitis or irritation require site change or discontinuation.

Renal and hepatic function tests

Frequency: Periodically (e.g., weekly) during prolonged therapy or in patients with pre-existing impairment.

Target: Within normal limits or stable from baseline.

Action Threshold: Significant elevation may require dose adjustment or discontinuation.

CBC with differential

Frequency: Periodically (e.g., weekly) during prolonged therapy (more than 10 days).

Target: Within normal limits or stable from baseline.

Action Threshold: Significant decrease in white blood cell count or platelet count may require discontinuation.

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Symptom Monitoring

  • Severe, persistent diarrhea (especially if bloody or mucoid)
  • Abdominal pain or cramping
  • Fever
  • Skin rash, itching, hives
  • Swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat (signs of allergic reaction)
  • Difficulty breathing or swallowing
  • Yellowing of skin or eyes (jaundice)
  • Unusual bleeding or bruising
  • Sore throat, fever, chills (signs of blood dyscrasias)

Special Patient Groups

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Pregnancy

Lincomycin is classified as Pregnancy Category C. Animal studies have shown adverse effects on the fetus, but there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. It should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.

Trimester-Specific Risks:

First Trimester: Potential risk, use only if clearly needed.
Second Trimester: Potential risk, use only if clearly needed.
Third Trimester: Potential risk, use only if clearly needed. Consider risk of C. difficile-associated diarrhea in neonate if exposed near term.
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Lactation

Lincomycin is excreted in human milk. Due to the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants (e.g., diarrhea, candidiasis, sensitization), a decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or to discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.

Infant Risk: Moderate risk (L3). Potential for gastrointestinal disturbances (diarrhea, candidiasis), interference with gut flora, and sensitization.
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Pediatric Use

Use with caution in infants less than one month of age due to immature renal and hepatic function. Monitor closely for adverse effects. Dosage adjustments are based on weight and severity of infection.

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Geriatric Use

No specific dose adjustment is generally needed based on age alone, but elderly patients are more likely to have decreased renal or hepatic function, which may require dose adjustment. They may also be more susceptible to C. difficile-associated diarrhea.

Clinical Information

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Clinical Pearls

  • Lincomycin is a lincosamide, chemically related to clindamycin, but generally considered less potent and with a narrower spectrum of activity. Clindamycin has largely replaced lincomycin in clinical practice due to better oral absorption and broader spectrum.
  • Primarily used for serious infections caused by susceptible Gram-positive bacteria (e.g., streptococci, staphylococci, pneumococci) in patients allergic to penicillin or where other antibiotics are ineffective.
  • Not effective against Gram-negative bacteria or enterococci.
  • Administer IV infusions slowly over at least 1 hour per gram to avoid hypotension and cardiopulmonary arrest.
  • Always warn patients about the risk of severe diarrhea (CDAD) and instruct them to seek immediate medical attention if it occurs.
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Alternative Therapies

  • Clindamycin (another lincosamide, often preferred due to better pharmacokinetics and spectrum)
  • Macrolides (e.g., azithromycin, erythromycin, clarithromycin) for Gram-positive infections in penicillin-allergic patients
  • Vancomycin (for severe Gram-positive infections, especially MRSA)
  • Linezolid (for resistant Gram-positive infections)
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Cost & Coverage

Average Cost: Varies widely by supplier and quantity per vial
Generic Available: Yes
Insurance Coverage: Tier 1 or 2 (generic)
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General Drug Facts

If your symptoms or health problems persist or worsen, it is essential to contact your doctor promptly. To ensure safe use, never share your medication with others, and do not take medication prescribed for someone else. Store all medications in a secure location, out of reach of children and pets, to prevent accidental ingestion. Dispose of unused or expired medications properly. Unless instructed otherwise, avoid flushing medications down the toilet or pouring them down the drain. If you are unsure about the correct disposal method, consult your pharmacist for guidance. Many communities offer drug take-back programs, which your pharmacist can help you locate. Some medications may come with an additional patient information leaflet; check with your pharmacist for more information. If you have any questions or concerns about your medication, discuss them with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. In the event of a suspected overdose, immediately contact your local poison control center or seek emergency medical attention. Be prepared to provide details about the medication taken, the amount, and the time it occurred.