What is linezolid?
Linezolid is an antibiotic that fights bacteria in the body.
Linezolid is used to treat different types of bacterial infections, such pneumonia, skin infections,
and infections that are resistant to other antibiotics.
Linezolid may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking linezolid?
Do not use linezolid if you have used an MAO inhibitor such as isocarboxazid (Marplan),
phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam), or tranylcypromine (Parnate)
within the past 14 days. Serious, life-threatening side effects can occur if you use linezolid before the
MAO inhibitor has cleared from your body.
You also should not use linezolid if you are also using any of these drugs:
-
buspirone (BuSpar);
-
meperidine (Demerol);
-
a diet pill that contains a stimulant;
-
cold or allergy medicines that contain a decongestant such
as pseudoephedrine;
-
ADHD medication such as Adderall or Dexedrine;
-
migraine or cluster headache medication such as
almotriptan (Axert), frovatriptan (Frova), naratriptan (Amerge), rizatriptan (Maxalt),
sumatriptan (Imitrex), or zolmitriptan (Zomig);
-
medication to treat Parkinson's disease or restless leg
syndrome, such as carbidopa or levodopa (Lodosyn, Parcopa, Sinemet), pramipexole (Mirapex),
or ropinorole (Requip); or
-
an antidepressant such as amitriptyline (Elavil, Etrafon),
citalopram (Celexa), doxepin (Sinequan), escitalopram (Lexapro), fluoxetine (Prozac, Sarafem,
Symbyax), fluvoxamine (Luvox), imipramine (Janimine, Tofranil), paroxetine (Paxil), or
sertraline (Zoloft), and others.
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to linezolid, or if
you have:
-
untreated or uncontrolled high blood pressure;
-
a carcinoid tumor;
-
pheochromocytoma (adrenal gland tumor); or
-
a severe thyroid disorder.
If you have certain conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special
tests to safely use this medication. Before using linezolid, tell your doctor if you have:
-
high blood pressure;
-
epilepsy or other seizure disorder;
-
a thyroid disorder;
-
kidney or liver disease; or
-
bone marrow suppression or a weak immune system.
Some people have developed a life-threatening condition called lactic
acidosis while taking linezolid. You may be more likely to develop lactic acidosis if you have liver or
kidney disease, congestive heart failure, or if you drink large amounts of alcohol. Talk with your doctor
about your individual risk.
FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether linezolid is harmful to an unborn
baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether linezolid passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby.
Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
The oral liquid form of linezolid may contain phenylalanine. Talk to your doctor before using
this form of linezolid if you have phenylketonuria (PKU).
How should I take linezolid?
Use this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not use the medication in larger
amounts, or use it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your
prescription label.
Linezolid can be taken with or without food.
Before taking the oral suspension (liquid), gently mix it by turning the bottle upside down 3 to 5
times.
Do not shake.
Measure the liquid with a special dose-measuring spoon or
cup, not a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for
one.
Intravenous linezolid is given as an injection through a needle placed into a vein. The medicine
must be given slowly through an IV infusion, and can take up to 2 hours to complete. You may be
shown how to use your medicine at home. Do not self-inject this medicine if you do not fully
understand how to give the injection and properly dispose of needles, IV tubing, and other items used
in giving the medicine.
To be sure linezolid is not causing harmful effects, your blood may need to be tested on a
regular basis. Your vision may need to be checked if you use linezolid long-term. Do not miss any
scheduled visits to your doctor.
Use this medication for the entire length of time prescribed by your doctor. Your
symptoms may get better before the infection is completely treated. Linezolid will not treat a viral
infection such as the common cold or flu.
Store linezolid at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Do not freeze the
liquid forms of linezolid. Throw away any unused oral liquid that is more than 21 days old.
What happens if I miss a dose of linezolid?
Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the
missed dose and use the medicine at your next regularly scheduled time.
Do not
use
extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
Where can I get more information about linezolid?
Your pharmacist has information about linezolid written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of linezolid?
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these
signs of an allergic
reaction:
hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:
-
pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness;
-
fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms;
-
diarrhea that is watery or bloody;
-
blurred vision, trouble seeing colors
-
numbness, burning, pain, or tingly feeling in your hands or
feet;
-
seizure (convulsions); or
-
lactic acidosis - muscle pain or weakness, numb or cold
feeling in your arms and legs, trouble breathing, stomach pain, nausea with vomiting, slow or
uneven heart rate, dizziness, or feeling very weak or tired.
Less serious side effects may include:
-
headache, dizziness;
-
nausea, vomiting, constipation, stomach pain or upset;
-
sleep problems (insomnia);
-
mild rash or itching;
-
discolored tongue, unusual or unpleasant taste in the
mouth;
-
vaginal itching or discharge; or
-
yeast infection in the mouth.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your
doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at
1-800-FDA-1088.
What is the most important information I should know about linezolid?
Do not use linezolid if you have used an MAO inhibitor such as isocarboxazid (Marplan),
phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam), or tranylcypromine (Parnate)
within the past 14 days. Serious, life-threatening side effects can occur if you use linezolid before the
MAO inhibitor has cleared from your body.
You also should not use linezolid if you are also using buspirone (BuSpar), meperidine
(Demerol), a diet pill or other stimulant, pseudoephedrine (a decongestant), ADHD medication such as
Adderall or Dexedrine, migraine or cluster headache medications ("triptans") such as Imitrex or Zomig
and others, medication to treat Parkinson's disease or restless leg syndrome, or an antidepressant such
as Celexa, Prozac, Paxil, Zoloft, and others.
You should not use linezolid if you have untreated or uncontrolled high blood pressure, a
carcinoid tumor, adrenal gland tumor, or a severely overactive thyroid.
Before using linezolid, tell your doctor if you have high blood pressure, a seizure disorder,
kidney or liver disease, bone marrow suppression, or a weak immune system.
Eating tyramine while you are using linezolid can raise your blood pressure
to dangerous levels.
Avoid foods that have a high level of tyramine, such as aged cheeses
or meats, pickled or fermented meats, smoked or air-dried meats, sauerkraut, soy sauce, tap beer, red
wine, or any meat, cheese, or other protein-based food that has been improperly stored.
Some people have developed a life-threatening condition called lactic acidosis while taking
linezolid. Early signs of lactic acidosis generally get worse over time and this condition can be fatal.
Get emergency medical help if you have even mild symptoms of lactic acidosis, such
as:
muscle pain or weakness, numb or cold feeling in your arms and legs, trouble breathing,
stomach pain, nausea with vomiting, slow or uneven heart rate, dizziness, or feeling very weak or tired.
What should I avoid while taking linezolid?
Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you have
diarrhea that is watery or has blood in it, call your doctor. Do not use any medicine to stop the
diarrhea unless your doctor has told you to.
While you are using linezolid, avoid taking an "SSRI" antidepressant without telling your doctor.
This includes citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram (Lexapro), fluoxetine (Prozac, Sarafem), fluvoxamine
(Luvox), paroxetine (Paxil), or sertraline (Zoloft). Taking an SSRI antidepressant together with
linezolid can cause symptoms such as anxiety, high fever, sweating, chills or goosebumps, memory
problems, trouble concentrating, loss of coordination, or muscle spasms.
Eating tyramine while you are using linezolid can raise your blood pressure
to dangerous levels.
Avoid foods that have a high level of tyramine, such as:
-
aged cheeses or meats;
-
pickled or fermented meats;
-
smoked or air-dried meats;
-
sauerkraut;
-
soy sauce;
-
tap beer (alcoholic and nonalcoholic);
-
red wine; or
-
any meat, cheese, or other protein-based food that has been
improperly stored.
You should become very familiar with the list of foods you must avoid while
you are using linezolid.
What other drugs will affect linezolid?
There may be other drugs that can interact with linezolid. Tell your doctor about all the
prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal
products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling
your doctor.
What happens if I have an overdose of linezolid?
