Lincomycin hydrochloride

Lincomycin Hydrochloride is an antibiotic medication used to treat serious bacterial infections. It is a member of the lincosamide class of antibiotics, which also includes clindamycin. Lincomycin Hydrochloride is produced by the bacterium Streptomyces lincolnensis.

Pharmacology

Lincomycin Hydrochloride works by inhibiting protein synthesis in susceptible bacteria, thereby stopping their growth. It binds to the 50S subunit of the bacterial ribosome, preventing the addition of new amino acids to the growing peptide chain.

Medical Uses

Lincomycin Hydrochloride is used to treat serious infections caused by susceptible anaerobic bacteria, streptococci, staphylococci, and pneumococci. It is often used when patients are allergic to penicillin or penicillin cannot be used for some other reason.

Side Effects

Common side effects of Lincomycin Hydrochloride include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and rash. More serious side effects can include Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea, allergic reactions, and blood disorders.

Precautions

Lincomycin Hydrochloride should not be used in patients with a history of allergy to lincomycin or clindamycin. It should be used with caution in patients with a history of gastrointestinal disease, particularly colitis, since it can cause severe colitis.

See Also

• List of antibiotics
• Lincosamide
• Protein synthesis inhibitor