Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea and colitis (CDAD; also known as antibiotic-associated diarrhea and colitis or pseudomembranous colitis) has been reported with nearly all anti-infectives, including lincomycin, and may range in severity from mild to life-threatening. Anti-infectives alter normal flora of the colon and may permit overgrowth of C. difficile.
Because lincomycin has been associated with severe colitis (potentially fatal), it should be reserved for treatment of serious infections when less toxic anti-infectives are inappropriate. (See Uses.)
C. difficile produces toxins A and B which contribute to development of CDAD. Hypertoxin-producing strains cause increased morbidity and mortality since they may be refractory to anti-infectives and may require colectomy. CDAD must be considered in all patients who present with diarrhea following anti-infective use. Careful medical history is necessary since CDAD has been reported to occur 2 months or longer after administration of anti-infectives.
If CDAD is suspected or confirmed, ongoing anti-infective use not directed against C. difficile may need to be discontinued. Institute appropriate fluid and electrolyte management, protein supplementation, anti-infective treatment of C. difficile, and surgical evaluation as clinically indicated. (See Superinfection/Clostridium difficile-associated Diarrhea and Colitis [CDAD] under Cautions.)
This medicine is for injection into a muscle, or infusion through a vein. It is usually given by a health care provider in a hospital or clinic.
If you get this medicine at home, you will be taught how to prepare and give this medicine. Use exactly as directed. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.
It is important that you put your used needles and syringes in a special sharps container. Do not put them in a trash can. If you do not have a sharps container, call your pharmacist or healthcare provider to get one.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 1 month old for selected conditions, precautions do apply.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses.
What may interact with this medicine?
Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:
This medicine may also interact with the following medications:
some medicines used during surgery
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
Tell your doctor or healthcare professional if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.
Do not treat diarrhea with over-the-counter products. Contact your doctor if you have diarrhea that lasts more than 2 days or if the diarrhea is severe and watery.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
mouth sores
nausea, vomiting
pain, swelling or irritation at site where injected
rectal itch
vaginal irritation
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Where should I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children.
If you are using this medicine at home, you will be instructed on how to store this medicine. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date on the label.
NOTE:This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children,
never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
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