Linezolid (By mouth)

lin-AYZ-oh-lid

Treats bacterial infections, including skin infections and pneumonia.

Drug classes

Antibiotic (About this – PubMed Health)

Uses

Uses of This Medicine

Linezolid is used to treat certain bacterial infections in many different parts of the body, including certain types of skin infections or pneumonia.

Linezolid belongs to the family of medicines called antibiotics. It works by killing bacteria or preventing their growth. However, this medicine will not work for colds, flu, or other virus infections.

This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.

Other uses (PubMed Health)

How To Use

Liquid, Tablet

Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

Oral liquid: Gently turn the bottle upside down 3 to 5 times before you pour your dose. Do not shake the bottle. Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.

Take all of the medicine in your prescription to clear up your infection, even if you feel better after the first few doses.

Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. You may keep the oral liquid for up to 21 days. After that, throw away any unused medicine.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

You must avoid many other medicines while you are using linezolid. These medicines used together could cause serious health problems, including death. Ask your doctor before you use any other medicine. You may need to wait 1 to 5 weeks before you can use the other medicine.

Do not use linezolid if you have used an MAOI in the past 14 days.

Some other medicines that may interact with linezolid include buspirone, bupropion, dobutamine, dopamine, meperidine, cold or allergy medicine (such as phenylpropanolamine, pseudoephedrine), medicine to treat depression (SSRI or TCA), or medicine to treat migraine headaches. This is not a complete list.

Avoid foods and drinks that are high in tyramine, because your blood pressure could get dangerously high. Your doctor should give you a complete list. In general, do not eat anything aged or fermented, such as most cheese, most alcohol, cured meat (such as salami), sauerkraut, and soy sauce. Check the expiration dates on packages. Tyramine levels get higher as food gets older or if it has not been refrigerated properly.

When Not To Use

This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to linezolid.

Warnings

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have bone marrow problems, carcinoid syndrome, diabetes, pheochromocytoma (a tumor of the adrenal gland), thyroid problems, high blood pressure, or a history of seizures.

This medicine may cause the following problems:

Lactic acidosis (too much lactic acid in the blood) Serotonin syndrome Nerve problems, especially in the eyes, hands, arms, legs, or feet

This medicine may make you bleed, bruise, or get infections more easily. Take precautions to prevent illness and injury. Wash your hands often.

This medicine can cause diarrhea. Call your doctor if the diarrhea becomes severe, does not stop, or is bloody. Do not take any medicine to stop diarrhea until you have talked to your doctor. Diarrhea can occur 2 months or more after you stop taking this medicine.

The oral liquid contains phenylalanine (aspartame). This is only a concern if you have phenylketonuria.

Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.

Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible side effects

Summary More details

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

Anxiety, restlessness, fast heartbeat, fever, sweating, muscle spasms, twitching, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, seeing or hearing things that are not there

Diarrhea that contains blood

Fast breathing, trouble breathing, nausea and vomiting, lightheadedness, severe weakness, tiredness, or confusion

Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, and body aches

Numbness, tingling, or burning pain in your hands, arms, legs, or feet

Seizures

Unusual bleeding or bruising

Vision changes, trouble seeing

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

Headache

Mild nausea, diarrhea, or vomiting

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

More side effects of this drug

Brand names include

Zyvox

There may be other brand names for this medicine.