Drug Name

Lincocin (Lincomycin)

Drug Uses

Lincocin is an antibiotic used to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections.

How Taken

Lincocin is best taken on an empty stomach 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals, but may be taken with food or milk if stomach upset occurs. Take this medication with a full glass (8 oz or 240 ml) of water unless your doctor directs you otherwise. Do not lie down for 30 minutes after taking this medication. Antibiotics work best when the amount of medicine in your body is kept at a constant level. Do this by taking the medication at evenly spaced intervals throughout the day and night. Continue to take this medication until the full prescribed amount is finished even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping the medication too early may allow bacteria to continue to grow resulting in a relapse of the infection.

Drug Class and Mechanism

Lincomycin belongs to the family of medicines called antibiotics. These medicines are used to treat infections. They will not work for colds, flu, or other virus infections.

Missed Dose

If you should miss a dose, take it as soon as remembered unless it is almost time for the next dose. If it is nearly time for the next dose, and you take 3 or more daily, take the missed dose and the next dose 2 to 4 hours apart.

Storage

Store at room temperature away from moisture and sunlight. Follow label warnings about whether or not to refrigerate liquid forms. Do not freeze. Do not store in bathroom.

Warnings/Precautions

This medication should be used only for serious infections because rarely, severe (sometimes fatal) intestinal problems (pseudomembranous colitis) can occur. Notify your doctor immediately if you develop persistent diarrhea, abdominal or stomach pain, or blood/mucous in your stool. Your doctor will decide if you require other treatment. These symptoms may occur weeks after stopping use of this drug. Do not use anti-diarrhea products or narcotic pain medications if you have these symptoms. These products may make the symptoms worse. Your doctor will monitor you closely while you are using this medication. Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: colitis or other gastrointestinal disease, liver problems, kidney problems, allergies to tartrazine (a yellow dye) or other other drugs. Women who are pregnant or breast-feeding should inform their doctor before taking this drug.

Possible Side Effects

This medication may cause stomach upset, diarrhea, headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, sore mouth and cramps which should disappear in a few days as your body adjusts to the medication. If these symptoms persist or become severe, inform your doctor. If diarrhea becomes a problem, do not take any anti-diarrhea medications. Contact your doctor. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

More Information

This medication has been prescribed for your current condition only. Do not use it later for another infection or give it to someone else. A different medication may be necessary in those cases.