What is Linezolid?
Linezolid, an antibacterial, is used to fight bacteria. Linezolid also acts as an MAO inhibitor (monoamine oxidase).Linezolid can be used to treat a variety of bacterial infections, including pneumonitis, skin infections, and infections resistant to other anti-biotics.Linezolid can be used in other ways not mentioned in this guide.
Side effects of Linezolid
If you experience symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as hives, difficulty breathing, swelling on your face or in your throat, or a severe reaction to the skin (fever or sore throat with burning eyes, skin pain or blisters, or a red or purple rash that is blistering or peeling), seek emergency medical attention.
Linezolid may cause serious side effects. If you experience:
- Changes in colour vision can cause vision problems.
- Severe abdominal pain, diarrhoea, watery or bleeding;
- A seizure;
- Feeling anxious, shaky, or sweating (signs of low sugar) may be present.
- Lactic acidosis—unusual muscle pain, trouble breathing, stomach pain, vomiting, irregular heart rate, dizziness, feeling cold, or feeling very weak or tired; or
- Low blood cell counts can cause fever, chills, and fatigue, as well as confusion. Other symptoms include mouth sores or skin sores that bleed easily, unusual bleeding patterns, pale skin on the hands and feet, and feeling lightheaded.
If you experience symptoms of serotonin disorder, including agitation, hallucinations, fever, sweating, or shivering, rapid heart rate, muscle stiffness, and twitching,
Linezolid can cause a number of side effects, including:
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea;
- Rash;
- Anaemia
- Headache, dizziness.
There may be other side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report adverse effects, you can contact the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Similar/related drugs
Amoxicillin, Doxycycline, Ciprofloxacin, Cephalexin, Azthromycin, Metronidazole, and Clindamycin
Warnings
Linezolid can interact with other medicines to cause harmful or unwanted effects. Tell your doctor about all medications that you take.Linezolid should not be used if you've taken an MAO inhibitor in the last 14 days. Examples include isocarboxazid or linezolid. Other examples are methylene blue injections, phenelzine, and tranylcypromine.
Before you take this drug
If you have an allergy to linezolid, then it is best not to use this drug.
Linezolid should not be used if MAO inhibitors have been taken in the last 14 days. Harmful drug interactions may occur. MAO inhibitors are isocarboxazid (linezolid), methylene blue injection, phenelzine, and tranylcypromine.Inform your doctor if other medications are being taken, such as stimulant medicines, opioids, herbal remedies, or medication for mental illness, depression, or migraine headaches. A serious condition known as serotonin syndrome can be caused by an interaction with linezolid.
Tell your doctor about any of the following:
- High blood pressure
- A thyroid disorder
- A tumour.
- A weak immune system or bone marrow suppression
- Kidney or liver diseases
- Pheochromocytoma
- Diabetes;
- Seizures;
- If you use a catheter.
Tell your doctor whether you're pregnant or breastfeeding.Tell your doctor immediately if you observe diarrhoea or vomiting in the baby.If you have phenylketonuria, linezolid liquid may contain phenylalanine.
How to take linezolid?
Read all instructions or guides that come with your medication and follow all instructions on the label. Follow the directions on the label.Linezolid is taken orally.Linezolid liquid or tablets can be taken either with or without food.Turn the bottle upside-down for 3 to 5 turns. Do not shake. Do not shake.Linezolid is injected into a vein.Please read and follow the instructions for use. If you need assistance, ask your pharmacist or doctor.Prepare an injection only when you are ready to administer the drug. If you notice particles in the medicine, call your pharmacist.Never reuse a syringe or needle. Put them in a "sharps container" that is puncture-proof, and dispose of the sharps according to local or state laws. Keep away from children and pets.You may need to undergo frequent medical tests. You may need to have your blood pressure and vision checked frequently.Keep using linezolid even if your symptoms quickly improve.If you skip doses, your infection could become resistant to the medication. Linezolid does not treat a virus, such as the flu or a cold.Store linezolid in its original form at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not freeze. Do not freeze.
What happens if I miss the dose?
Skip the missed dose if you're almost due to take your next dose. Never take two doses of the same medicine at once.
What happens if I overdose?
For poison assistance, call 1-800-222-1222 or get immediate medical help.
What should be avoided?
Ask your doctor before taking any anti-diarrhoea medication. Diarrhoea can be an indication of a new illness.
Tyramine-rich foods, such as:Tell your doctor about all medications you are taking.
- Aged cheeses and meats
- Smoked or air-dried foods, pickled or fermented foods
- Sauerkraut;
- Soy sauce;
- Tap beer (alcoholic or non-alcoholic)
- Red wine
- Meat, cheese, or any other food containing protein that has been stored improperly
Avoid eating certain foods while taking linezolid.
Interaction with other drug
Linezolid can be affected by many drugs, and certain drugs shouldn't be taken together. Tell your doctor about all medications you are taking. You should tell your doctor about all other medicines you use, including prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal products. This list does not include all possible interactions.
