Lincomycin for children

Lincomycin can be called an antibiotic, which has long proven itself in the treatment of various purulent processes in adults. But is it used in children and how does such a medication affect the child's body and bacteria?

Release form and composition

Lincomycin is produced:

in capsules, which are sold in 20 pieces in one pack;
in ampoules containing 1 or 2 ml of solution, which is injected into the muscles or into the vein;
in the form of an ointment, packed in tubes of 10 or 15 g.

The basis of any form of the drug is lincomycin hydrochloride. In one capsule, it is contained in a dose of 250 mg, in 1 ml of solution for injections - 300 mg, and in 1 gram of ointment - in a dosage of 20 mg.

Operating principle

The drug is referred to as antibiotics-lincosamides, get it actinomycetes. Once in the patient's body, its active ingredient penetrates into microbial cells and binds to ribosomes, resulting in a direct intervention in the synthesis of peptides, which disrupts the formation of proteins. This leads to inhibition of the growth of bacteria and their development (this effect is called bacteriostatic), and high doses of the drug can destroy microorganisms (have a bactericidal effect).

The drug is effective for infection:

staphylococci;
the causative agent of diphtheria;
clostridia;
streptococci;
mycoplasmas;
bacteroids.

Microbes that are not affected by penicillins and other common antibiotics are often sensitive to this medication. However, in relation to enterococci, corynebacteria, neisseria, fungi, protozoa, anaerobic bacteria and viruses, Lincomycin is usually helpless.

Indications

Lincomycin is used for infections caused by bacteria susceptible to this drug:

with purulent otitis media;
erysipelas;
pneumonia;
boils;
lung abscess;
sore throat;
phlegmont;
osteomyelitis;
wound infection;
endocarditis;
purulent arthritis;
suppuration after tooth extraction.

If a child has a purulent runny nose or sinusitis, then Lincomycin may be included in complex nose drops.

At what age is it prescribed?

All forms of Lincomycin are contraindicated in newborn babies. The drug is prescribed for children who are 1 month old. At the same time, it is recommended to determine the sensitivity before treatment so that the antibiotic really helps the little patient.

Contraindications

Lincomycin in any form is not prescribed:

with intolerance to any ingredient of the drug;
if you are allergic to clindamycin;
with severe renal or hepatic insufficiency.

If a child has a fungal infection of the mucous membranes or skin, the medication should be used with caution.

Side effects

The use of Lincomycin can provoke such negative symptoms from the gastrointestinal tract as nausea, sore tongue, loose stools, vomiting, abdominal pain, and others. In addition, the drug sometimes causes an allergic reaction and a decrease in the number of blood cells. With injections, phlebitis may develop.

Instructions for use

The required form of Lincomycin should be selected by the doctor, taking into account the course of the disease. The dosage of the drug in childhood is calculated by weight. For capsules, it is from 30 to 60 mg of active compound per 1 kg of body weight of a patient less than 14 years of age per day.

For intravenous drip injections, 10 to 20 mg of lincomycin are taken per 1 kg of the child's weight. The calculated dose of the drug is administered every 8-12 hours. If an ointment is used, then the affected skin is lubricated with this agent. The medication is applied in a thin layer.

Drug interactions

Lincomycin is not used with those antibiotics that have a bactericidal effect (ampicillin, chloramphenicol, etc.), but can be prescribed together with aminoglycosides, since it enhances their effect. When taking antidiarrheals, the effect of Lincomycin decreases.

Terms of sale and storage

Any form of Lincomycin is a prescription drug, therefore it is sold in pharmacies only with a prescription from a pediatrician, pulmonologist, ENT or other specialist. The average price of 20 capsules is 80 rubles, and 10 ampoules - 190 rubles. It is recommended to store drugs at home in a dry place at room temperature. The shelf life of the ointment is 2 years, other forms - 3 years.

Reviews

There are many good reviews about the treatment of children with Lincomycin. Despite many years of using such an antibiotic, it effectively treats many purulent infections. In addition, the drug is approved for children under one year old (except for infants in the first month of life) and is inexpensive.

Parents call the main disadvantage of Lincomycin its negative effect on the digestive tract. Because of this, the medication must be taken along with probiotics.

Analogs

Other antibacterial drugs can replace Lincomycin, for example, "Klacid", "Sumamed", "Azitrox", "Ospamox" or "Clindamycin"... However, all these antibiotics contain different active ingredients and have their own limitations, therefore, it is impossible to give any of these funds to a child without consulting a doctor.