indication

Lincomycin is an antibiotic used in the treatment of staphylococcal, streptococcal, and Bacteroides fragilis infections.

pharmacology

Lincomycin is a lincosamide antibiotic that comes from the yeast Streptomyces lincolnensis. Lincomycin has been shown to be active in vitro against the following microorganisms: Aerobic gram-positive cocci: Streptococcus pyogenes and Viridans group streptococci; Aerobic gram-positive bacilli: Corynebacterium diphtheriae; Anaerobic gram-positive non-sporeforming bacilli: Propionibacterium acnes; Anaerobic gram-positive sporeforming bacilli: Clostridium tetani and Clostridium perfringens.

mechanism of action

Lincomycin inhibits protein synthesis in susceptible bacteria by binding to the 50 S subunits of bacterial ribosomes and preventing peptide bond formation upon transcription. It is usually considered bacteriostatic, but may be bactericidal in high concentrations or when used against highly susceptible organisms.

biotransformation

Presumed hepatic, however metabolites have not been fully characterized.

absorption

Rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract following oral administration. Approximately 20 to 30% absorbed orally in fasting state; absorption decreased when taken with food.

half life

The biological half-life after intramuscular or intravenous administration is 5.4 ± 1.0 hours. The serum half-life of lincomycin may be prolonged in patients with severe impairment of renal function compared to patients with normal renal function. In patients with abnormal hepatic function, serum half-life may be twofold longer than in patients with normal hepatic function.

route of elimination

Urinary excretion after this dose ranges from 1.8 to 24.8 percent (mean: 3 percent). Tissue level studies indicate that bile is an important route of excretion.

drug interactions

Aluminium: The aluminium salt decreases the absorption of lincosamides

Atracurium: The agent increases the effect of muscle relaxant

Attapulgite: The aluminium salt decreases the absorption of lincosamides

Doxacurium chloride: The agent increases the effect of muscle relaxant

Erythromycin: Possible antagonism of action with this combination.

Kaolin: The aluminium salt decreases the absorption of lincosamides

Metocurine: The agent increases the effect of muscle relaxant

Mivacurium: The agent increases the effect of muscle relaxant

Pancuronium: The agent increases the effect of muscle relaxant

Pipecuronium: The agent increases the effect of muscle relaxant

Rocuronium: The agent increases the effect of muscle relaxant

Succinylcholine: The agent increases the effect of muscle relaxant

Tubocurarine: The agent increases the effect of muscle relaxant

Vecuronium: The agent increases the effect of muscle relaxant