Lincocin is an antibiotic that is used to treat severe bacterial infections in people who cannot use penicillin antibiotics.

Lincocin is used only for a severe infection. Lincocin will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.

Lincocin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Antibiotic medicine can cause overgrowth of normally harmless bacteria in the intestines. This can lead to an infection that causes mild to severe diarrhea, even months after your last antibiotic dose. Call your doctor at the first sign of diarrhea during and shortly after your treatment with Lincocin.

If you have diarrhea that is watery or bloody, stop using Lincocin and call your doctor right away. Do not use anti-diarrhea medicine unless your doctor tells you to. Stopping the diarrhea can make an intestinal infection worse.

Lincocin is injected into a muscle, or as an infusion into a vein. A healthcare provider will give your first dose and may teach you how to properly use the medication by yourself.

When injected into a vein, Lincocin must be given slowly, and the infusion can take at least 1 hour to complete.

Lincocin is sometimes given as an injection into your eye. Your doctor will use a medicine to numb your eye before giving you the injection. You will receive this injection in your doctor's office or other clinic setting.

Use this medicine for the full prescribed length of time, even if your symptoms quickly improve. Skipping doses can increase your risk of infection that is resistant to medication. Lincocin will not treat a viral infection such as the flu or a common cold.

Call your doctor at the first sign of diarrhea during and shortly after your treatment with Lincocin.

If you use this medicine long-term, you may need frequent medical tests. If you need surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are using Lincocin.

Store at room temperature away from heat.

Use a needle and syringe only once and then place them in a puncture-proof "sharps" container. Follow state or local laws about how to dispose of this container. Keep it out of the reach of children and pets.

You should not be treated with Lincocin if you are allergic to Lincocin or clindamycin.

Before you receive Lincocin, tell your doctor if you have a history of intestinal disorder such as ulcerative colitis.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• asthma;

• an intestinal disorder such as colitis;

• severe allergies; or

• liver or kidney disease.

It is not known whether Lincocin will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant.

It may not be safe to breast-feed while using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risk.

Call your doctor for instructions if you miss a dose.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you have diarrhea that is watery or bloody, call your doctor before using anti-diarrhea medicine. Stopping the diarrhea can make an intestinal infection worse.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction (hives, difficult breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash with blistering and peeling).

Antibiotic medicine can cause overgrowth of normally harmless bacteria in the intestines. This can lead to an infection that causes mild to severe diarrhea, even months after your last antibiotic dose. If left untreated this condition can lead to life-threatening intestinal problems.

Lincocin may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

• severe stomach pain, diarrhea that is watery or bloody (even if it occurs months after your last dose);

• little or no urination;

• blisters or ulcers in your mouth, red or swollen gums, trouble swallowing;

• jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); or

• low blood cell counts--fever, chills, tiredness, skin sores, easy bruising, unusual bleeding, pale skin, cold hands and feet, feeling light-headed or short of breath.

Older adults and those who are ill or debilitated may be more sensitive to the effects of diarrhea caused by this medication.

Common side effects include:

• diarrhea, stomach pain;

• nausea, vomiting, swollen or painful tongue;

• vaginal itching or discharge;

• mild itching or rash;

• ringing in your ears; or

• dizziness.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Other drugs may affect Lincocin, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.