Lincosamides

Definition

Lincosamides are a class of antibiotics that inhibit bacterial protein synthesis by binding to the 50S subunit of the bacterial ribosome. They are primarily effective against Gram-positive bacteria and some anaerobic pathogens.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Lincosamides include drugs such as clindamycin and lincomycin.
2. These antibiotics are often used to treat infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and anaerobic bacteria.
3. Clindamycin is commonly used in clinical settings for treating skin infections, respiratory tract infections, and intra-abdominal infections.
4. Lincosamides can cause serious side effects like pseudomembranous colitis due to Clostridium difficile overgrowth.
5. They work by inhibiting the translocation step in protein synthesis, which prevents the elongation of peptide chains.

Review Questions

• What bacterial structure do lincosamides target to exert their antibiotic effect?
• Name two common infections that clindamycin is used to treat.
• What is a major potential side effect associated with lincosamide use?

Related terms

Macrolides:

A class of antibiotics that also bind to the 50S ribosomal subunit but have a broader spectrum than lincosamides.

Penicillins:

A group of beta-lactam antibiotics used to treat various bacterial infections by inhibiting cell wall synthesis.

Tetracyclines:

A class of antibiotics that inhibit protein synthesis by binding to the 30S ribosomal subunit.