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Use of gentamicin to prevent intestinal side effects of lincomycin therapy
Abstract:
Mild to severe and persisting diarrhea and even colitis have been reported as a side effect of therapy with lincomycin and clindamycin. An alteration in the normal bowel flora with an overgrowth of coliforms and other antibiotic-resistant bacteria has been postulated as a mechanism for the development of diarrhea. Investigations were undertaken in men to observe whether the simultaneous administration of gentamicin was capable of preventing lincomycin-associated intestinal disturbances. Of the 30 subjects treated only with lincomycin 11 (36.6%) developed diarrhea. Of the 18 subjects treated with lincomycin and simultaneously with oral gentamicine, none developed diarrhea. Results of bacteriological examinations indicate that in subjects treated with lincomycin, some potentially pathogenic bacteria, like coliforms and clostridia, are still present in intestinal flora; the simultaneous absence of bifidobacteria and bacteriodes could result in the abolishment of the host resistance to the noxious activity of these endogenous bacteria, as some reported data of the literature suggest. Coliforms and the majority of clostridia strains are not present in subjects treated simultaneously with gentamicin.
Insights
Adding gentamicin to lincomycin therapy prevented diarrhea in patients. This approach maintained healthy gut flora by inhibiting the growth of harmful bacteria, unlike lincomycin alone.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Pharmacology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Lincomycin and clindamycin therapy can cause persistent diarrhea and colitis.
- This is potentially due to alterations in gut microbiota, leading to an overgrowth of resistant bacteria like coliforms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if co-administering gentamicin could prevent lincomycin-associated intestinal issues.
Main Methods:
- A study involving human subjects was conducted.
- Subjects received either lincomycin alone or lincomycin with oral gentamicin.
- Bacteriological examinations of intestinal flora were performed.
Main Results:
- Diarrhea occurred in 36.6% of subjects treated with lincomycin alone (11 out of 30).
- None of the subjects treated with both lincomycin and gentamicin developed diarrhea (0 out of 18).
- Lincomycin alone allowed potentially pathogenic bacteria (coliforms, clostridia) to persist, while gentamicin inhibited their growth.
Conclusions:
- Simultaneous administration of gentamicin effectively prevents lincomycin-induced diarrhea.
- Gentamicin helps maintain a balanced gut flora by suppressing harmful bacteria, thus preserving host resistance.