Linezolid is an antibiotic that is used to treat a variety of serious or difficult-to-treat bacterial infections. It chemically attaches to the bacteria and prevents their growth and multiplication. Linezolid kills susceptible bacteria, but it is not effective against viruses, parasites, or fungi. Therefore, linezolid will not work for colds or the flu.

Linezolid Facts
Brand name (manufacturer):
Zyvox (Pharmacia)

Type of drug: Antibiotic

Ingredient: Linezolid

Dosage forms: Tablets (400 mg and 600 mg); oral suspension (100 mg per 5-mL teaspoonful)

Storage: Store both the tablets and the oral suspension at room temperature in tightly closed, light-resistant containers. Do not freeze. The suspension will lose its potency after 21 days, so discard it at that time.

Treatment

Take either on an empty stomach or with food. You should take this medication with plenty of water, unless your doctor directs you to do otherwise. Linezolid is usually taken twice a day.

When taken with certain foods or drinks, linezolid can cause an increase in your blood pressure. To prevent this, it is very important to avoid foods that are high in tyramine (including foods that are aged, fermented, pickled, or smoked to increase their flavor, such as cheeses; air-dried, fermented, or smoked fish, meat, or poultry; sauerkraut; soy sauce; red wine; or tap beer). In general, quantities of tyramine consumed should be less than 100 mg per meal.

In addition, it is important to note that the tyramine content of any protein-rich food will be increased if it is stored for a long period of time or if it is improperly refrigerated. Your doctor or pharmacist can provide you with a list of foods and drinks to avoid while taking this medication (ask for a list if it is not given to you).

Shake the suspension form of linezolid well just before measuring each dose to distribute the ingredients evenly and equalize the doses. The contents tend to settle on the bottom of the bottle. Measure each dose carefully with a specially designed 5-mL measuring spoon, as directed by your doctor or pharmacist. An ordinary kitchen teaspoon is not accurate enough.

It is very important that you do not miss any doses of this medication. Linezolid works best when the level of medicine in your bloodstream is kept constant. It is best to take the drug at the same time(s) every day, at evenly spaced intervals day and night. For example, if you are to take 2 doses a day, space the doses 12 hours apart.

If you miss a dose of linezolid, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the next dose.

It is important to continue to take linezolid for the entire time prescribed by your doctor (usually five to ten days), even if the symptoms disappear before the end of that period. If you stop taking this drug too soon, resistant bacteria are given a chance to continue growing, and the infection could recur.

Side Effects

Minor: Abdominal pain, change in the color of the tongue, constipation, diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth or bad taste in the mouth, gas, loss of taste, or vomiting. These side effects should disappear as your body adjusts to the medication.

Dry mouth can be relieved by sucking on ice chips or a piece of hard candy or by chewing sugarless gum.

To avoid dizziness or light-headedness when you stand, contract and relax the muscles of your legs for a few moments before rising. Do this by pushing one foot against the floor while raising the other foot slightly, alternating feet so that you are "pumping" your legs in a pedaling motion.
If you feel dizzy, sit or lie down for a while; get up from a sitting or lying position slowly; and be careful on stairs.

Major: Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or particularly bothersome. IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about darkened tongue, difficulty in breathing, difficulty in urinating, fever, itching, joint pain, rash, rectal or vaginal itching, severe diarrhea (which can be watery or contain pus or blood), sore mouth, stomach cramps, tingling in the hands or feet, unusual bleeding or bruising, unusual tiredness or weakness, or white patches in the mouth, tongue, or throat. If your symptoms of infection seem to be getting worse rather than improving, you should contact your doctor immediately.

Interactions

Linezolid interacts with several other types of medications:
  • To avoid drug interactions, it is very important that you do not take any over-the-counter (nonprescription) medications for weight control or for asthma, sinus problems, cough, common cold, or allergy problems unless you first check with a doctor or pharmacist.

  • The side effects of linezolid may be increased by certain drugs including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (including fluoxetine, paroxetine, and sertraline), venlafaxine, nefazodone, sibutramine, and monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors (such as selegeline, isocarboxazid, pargyline, phenelzine, and tranylcypromine). Avoid these combinations. Discuss this with your doctor or pharmacist.
Before starting to take linezolid, BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about any medications you are currently taking, especially any of those listed above.

Warnings
  • Tell your doctor about unusual or allergic reactions you have ever had to any medications, especially to linezolid or other antibiotics.

  • Tell your doctor if you have ever had hypertension, heart problems, fast or irregular heartbeats, kidney or urinary tract problems, depression, or phenylketonuria.

  • Patients with phenylketonuria should be aware that the suspension form of linezolid contains 20 mg of phenylalanine per 5-mL teaspoonful. This ingredient can dangerously affect people with phenylketonuria. However, the tablet form of this medication does not contain phenylalanine; discuss this with your doctor or pharmacist.

  • Linezolid has been prescribed for your current infection only. Another infection later on, or one that someone else has, may require a different medicine. You should not give your medication to other people or use it for other infections, unless your doctor specifically directs you to do so.

  • Call your doctor immediately if you experience rash, difficulty breathing, or facial swelling after taking a dose of linezolid.

  • Before having surgery or any other medical or dental treatment, be sure to tell your doctor or dentist that you are being treated with Linezolid.

  • Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant. This medication has not been thoroughly studied in human pregnancy. Also tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding an infant. Linezolid passes into breast milk.