In this quick review, we’ll cover the lincosamide class of antibiotics, a group of medications important for treating certain bacterial infections.
What Are Lincosamides?
The lincosamide class does not have a common prefix or suffix, but a widely used medication in this class is clindamycin.
Tip for remembering: Some students confuse clindamycin with aminoglycosides because of the “-mycin” ending. Look closer and note that clindamycin contains “lin”, which indicates it belongs to the lincosamide class, not aminoglycosides.
What Do Lincosamides Target?
Lincosamides are effective against:
- Gram-positive bacteria
- Anaerobes
They are not effective against gram-negative aerobes, which makes them especially useful for:
- MRSA skin infections
- Dental infections
How Lincosamides Work
Lincosamides inhibit protein synthesis by targeting the 50S ribosomal subunit.
Depending on the dose, they can have either:
- Bacteriostatic effect – slows bacterial growth
- Bactericidal effect – kills bacteria
Review on Lincosamides
Nursing Considerations: Remember “LINCO”
Use the mnemonic LINCO to recall important nursing considerations for lincosamides:
L – Liver toxicity: Can be hard on the liver, especially with prolonged use.
I – IV, PO, Topical routes: Available in multiple administration forms.
N – Nausea & vomiting: Taking PO doses with a full glass of water can prevent esophageal irritation; taking with food may reduce GI upset.
C – C. difficile infection: Clindamycin carries a high risk for C. difficile. Monitor for watery, frequent, foul-smelling diarrhea, and send samples to the lab if suspected.
O – Option for penicillin-allergic patients: Useful alternative for those with penicillin allergies.
You may be interested in: Lincosamide Antibiotic NCLEX-Style Questions
References:
Kizior, R. J., & Hodgson, K. (2023). Saunders nursing drug handbook (12th ed., p. 245). Elsevier. ISBN 9780323930765
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2022, September). Clindamycin phosphate in sodium chloride injection: Highlights of prescribing information (FDA label 208083s006s007s008). https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2022/208083s006s007s008lbl.pdf