Lincocinamides and the incidence of antibiotic-associated colitis.

Reports of antibiotic-associated colitis (AAC) and of pseudomembranous colitis in patients treated with lincocinamides and other antimicrobial agents are reviewed. It is apparent that the incidence of colitis in patients treated with antimicrobials is declining. The greatest risk for AAC is seen in patients treated with ampicillin, followed by the cephalosporins, and then the lincocinamides. Treatment of AAC with vancomycin, metronidazole, or bacitracin is usually effective.