Zyvox

Linezolid is an antibiotic used to treat certain serious bacterial infections that have not responded to other antibiotics (resistant infections). It works by stopping the growth of bacteria.

For the best possible benefit, it is important to receive each scheduled dose of this medication as directed. If you miss a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist immediately to establish a new dosing schedule.

This medication is given by injection into a vein as directed by your doctor, usually every 12 hours. It should be injected slowly over 30 minutes to 2 hours. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. In children the dosage may also be based on weight, and they may be directed to inject this medication every 8 hours. If you are giving this medication to yourself at home, learn all preparation and usage instructions from your health care professional. Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. Learn how to store and discard medical supplies safely. Linezolid is related to a group of drugs called MAO inhibitors. Certain foods interact with MAO inhibitors, causing severe headache and increased blood pressure. This could lead to a medical emergency. Therefore, it is important to avoid or limit intake of these foods to reduce your risk of these serious problems. (See Drug Interactions section.) Antibiotics work best when the amount of medicine in your body is kept at a constant level. Therefore, use this drug at evenly spaced intervals. Continue to use this medication until the full prescribed amount is finished, even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping the medication too early may allow bacteria to continue to grow, which may result in a relapse of the infection. Tell your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval. Some products that may interact with this drug include: atomoxetine, bethanidine, bupropion, buspirone, carbamazepine, certain antihistamines (azatadine, carbetapentane, chlorpheniramine), dextromethorphan, certain eye drops (apraclonidine, brimonidine), herbal products (e.g., ephedra/ma huang, ginseng, tryptophan), indoramin, inhaled bronchodilators (e.g., albuterol, salmeterol), levodopa, methyldopa, certain narcotic pain relievers (fentanyl, meperidine), papaverine, drugs for Parkinson's disease (such as entacapone, tolcapone), reboxetine, rifampin, SSRI antidepressants (e.g., fluoxetine, citalopram), sympathomimetics (e.g., ephedrine, methylphenidate), tetrabenazine, tramadol, tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline, doxepin), "triptans" (e.g., sumatriptan, zolmitriptan), weight loss drugs (such as sibutramine), other drugs which depress the bone marrow (e.g., cancer chemotherapy). Avoid taking other MAO inhibitors (e.g., furazolidone, isocarboxazid, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine) within 2 weeks before, during, and after treatment with this medication. Check the labels on all your medicines (e.g., cough-and-cold products, diet aids) because they may contain ingredients that could increase your heart rate or blood pressure. Avoid these products while using this medication. Ask your pharmacist for additional information. Limit your tyramine intake while using this medication and for 2 days after stopping treatment. Also avoid foods or drinks with high tyramine content during use because the combination may cause a serious rise in your blood pressure. Foods high in tyramine include those that may change as a result of aging, fermentation, pickling, or smoking. The tyramine content of any protein-rich food (meats, fish and dairy products) may increase if stored for long periods or improperly refrigerated. Some foods high in tyramine include aged cheeses (0 to 15 milligrams per ounce); fermented or air-dried meats (0.1 to 8 milligrams per ounce); sauerkraut (8 milligrams per 8 ounces); soy sauce (5 milligrams per 1 teaspoon); tap beers (4 milligrams per 12 ounces); red wines (0 to 6 milligrams per 8 ounces). Total intake of tyramine should be less than 100 milligrams per meal. Tell your doctor or pharmacist immediately if you notice symptoms of high blood pressure such as fast or pounding heartbeat, vomiting, sweating or headache, chest pain, sudden vision changes, weakness on one side of the body or slurred speech. Contact your healthcare professional (e.g., doctor, pharmacist or dietician) for more information, including recommendations for your diet.

Your doctor may order eye tests if you are taking this medication for more than 3 months or if you have any vision changes or problems. Keep all medical appointments. Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., CBC, platelets) should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly.

Before using linezolid, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: high blood pressure, blood disorders (e.g., low blood counts), certain tumor or related conditions (e.g., pheochromocytoma, carcinoid syndrome), untreated overactive thyroid disease (hyperthyroidism), seizure. This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Kidney function declines as you grow older. This medication is removed by the kidneys. Therefore, elderly people may be at a greater risk for side effects while using this drug. During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Consult the product instructions and your pharmacist for storage details. Keep all medications away from children and pets. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.

Pain/redness/swelling at the injection site may occur. Also, diarrhea, headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, trouble sleeping, or constipation may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: deep/fast breathing, drowsiness, mental/mood changes, fever, uncontrolled movements, tingling or numbness of hands/feet, easy bruising/bleeding, severe headache, severe dizziness, vision changes (including loss of vision), persistent sore throat, unusual tiredness, seizure. This medication may rarely cause a severe intestinal condition (Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea) due to a resistant bacteria. This condition may occur weeks to months after treatment has stopped. Do not use anti-diarrhea products or narcotic pain medications if you have the following symptoms because these products may make them worse. Tell your doctor immediately if you develop: persistent diarrhea, abdominal or stomach pain/cramping, blood/mucus in your stool. Use of this medication for prolonged or repeated periods may result in oral thrush or a new vaginal yeast infection (oral or vaginal fungal infection). Contact your doctor if you notice white patches in your mouth, a change in vaginal discharge or other new symptoms. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but get medical help right away if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.