Lincomycin

Lincomycin is an antibacterial drug that has found use in the treatment of diseases of the ear, throat, nose, respiratory tissue, skin and soft tissue, bone, joint, dental, and septicemic infections caused by staphylococci, pneumonococci, and streptococci (other than enterococci). It has also been used in the treatment of diphtheria and a variety of anaerobic infections, including actimycosis.

Primary Uses
Lincomycin has been used in the treatment of serious infections caused by susceptible strains of streptococci, pneumococci, and staphylococci. However, lincomycin generally has been replaced by safer and more effective agents. Not all species or strains of a particular organism may be susceptible to lincomycin. It has been effective in infections in man due to Pneumococci, Strep pyogenes (group A), Strep mitis, and Staph aureus; diphtheria carrier state, erysipelas, staphylococcal infections (strains of proven sensitivity), streptococcal cellulitis, and actinomycosis have shown very good responses.

Veterinary Lincomycin is used im in swine for arthritis and pneumonia, particularly that caused by mycoplasma spp.; to help increase weight gains and feed efficiency in floor raised broilers; Primarily against gram-positive infections especially Staphylococci.

BRAND NAMES
Lincomycin is an active ingredient in the following brand name drugs:

• Lincomix Injectable
• Lincocin Sterile Solution (Rx)
• Lyncomycin hydrochloride tablets

DOGS Infections caused by Gram-positive organisms, particularly streptococci and staphylococci (for use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian).

CATS Infections caused by Gram-positive organisms, particularly streptococci and staphylococci (for use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian).

Lyncomycin hydrochloride tablets are used for treatment of skin infections, respiratory tract infections and soft tissue infections.

Dogs with superficial pyoderma may present with a range of lesions, in any combination. These include pustules, papules, crusting, epidermal collarettes, alopecia, scaling, erythema, pruritus and hyperpigmentation. Which clinical signs are present in each individual case depends on many factors including the underlying condition as well as the stage of infection when the animal is examined. Certain breeds also tend to produce certain types of lesions at a higher frequency. Different lesions have different diagnostic power, e.g. follicular pustules, although not found commonly, can only be caused by a small number of diseases with pyoderma being one of the most common.

The vast majority of bacterial skin infections in dogs are caused by Staphylococcus (S.) intermedius, although Proteus, Pseudomonas and E. coli can be isolated, especially from deep infections. For systemic antibacterial agents prescribe an appropriate antibiotic (based on sensitivity testing) that penetrates skin, for an adequate period of time and avoid concurrent use of corticosteroids. For superficial pyoderma antibiotics are prescribed the for a minimum of 21 consecutive days or for 7-14 days after clinical cure. Deep pyoderma is treated for a minimum of 4 to 6 weeks with treatment continuing for 2 weeks after complete clinical cure.

Toxicity In humans, administration of lincomycin, particularly orally, can cause diarrhea in as many as 20% of cases; diarrhea may be severe, requiring withdrawal of drug, and some patients develop pseudomembranous colitis, which may be fatal. Other reported adverse effects of lincomycin include transient increases in serum bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, and AST (SGOT) concentrations; jaundice; transient leukopenia; neutropenia; eosinophilia; thrombocytopenia; and agranulocytosis.

Adverse Side Effects In small animals diarrhea, vomiting, loss of appetite

Go Pets America recommends seeking the advice of your local veterinarian for the most appropriate vaccination program and for the diagnosis and treatment of your pet's health problems. For vaccination requirements please contact your state and local licensing authorities.