Lincosamides

Question 1

What is the most commonly used lincosamide antibiotic?

Answer 1

Clindamycin.

Question 2

What is the method of action of the lincosamides?

Answer 2

Binds to the 50S subunit of the bacterial ribosome, inhibiting the eraly stages of protein synthesis.

Question 3

Which organisms are the lincosamides effective against?

Answer 3

Gram-positive aerobes and a wide range of anaerobic bacteria.

Question 4

Give some indications for which the lincosamides may be used.

Answer 4

Staphylococcal joint and bone infections, intra-abdominal sepsis, cellulitis, skin and sort tissue infections.

Question 5

WHat are some side effects of the lincosamides?

Answer 5

Antibiotic associated colitis, GI side effects, oesophageal disorders, taste disturbances, jaundice, blood disorders, rash, stephen-johnsons syndrome.

Question 6

What if the main contraindication of clindamycin use?

Answer 6

Existing diarrhoea, can lead to fatal diarrhoea.

Question 7

What should be done if a patient on clindamycin experiences diarrhoea?

Answer 7

Stop clindamycin and seek urgent medical attention.

Question 8

In which group is antibiotic assocated colitis most common?

Answer 8

Middle aged and elderly women, especially after an operation.

Question 9

What monitoring should be carried out when using lincosamides?

Answer 9

Liver and renal function tests if treatment lasts longer than 10 days in infants.