Linezolid

Conditions Treated

Linezolid is used to treat infections, including pneumonia, urinary tract infections, and infections of the skin and blood. Linezolid is in a class of antibacterials called oxazolidinones. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria.

Possible Side Effects

What Side Effects Can This Cause?

Linezolid may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• diarrhea
• headache
• upset stomach
• vomiting
• difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
• constipation
• rash
• dizziness
• fever

Some side effects can be serious. The following symptoms are uncommon, but if you experience any of them, call your doctor immediately:

• severe diarrhea
• fever, sore throat, and other signs of infection
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• pale skin
• lack of energy

Linezolid may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].

Usage Instructions

How Should This Medication Be Used

Linezolid comes as a tablet and oral suspension (liquid) to take by mouth. It is usually taken with or without food twice a day (every 12 hours) for 10 to 28 days. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take linezolid exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Before using the oral suspension, gently mix it by turning over the bottle three to five times. Do not shake. Continue to take linezolid even if you feel well. Do not stop taking linezolid without talking to your doctor.

What Dietary Instructions Should I Follow

Avoid eating or drinking large amounts of foods and beverages containing tyramine while taking linezolid. These foods and beverages include alcoholic beverages, especially beer, Chianti, and other red wines; alcohol-free beer; cheeses (especially strong, aged, or processed varieties); sauerkraut; yogurt; raisins; bananas; sour cream; pickled herring; liver (especially chicken liver); dry sausage (including hard salami and pepperoni); canned figs; avocados; soy sauce; turkey; yeast extracts; papaya products (including certain meat tenderizers); fava beans; and broad bean pods.

Are There Any Special Instructions

Before taking linezolid, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to linezolid or any other medications. tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking. Be sure to mention any of the following: antidepressants; cancer chemotherapy; cold remedies or decongestants containing pseudoephedrine or phenylpropanolamine; medications for migraine such as frovatriptan (Frova), naratriptan (Amerge), rizatriptan (Maxalt), sumatriptan (Imitrex), and zolmitriptan (Zomig); other antibiotics; and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as citalopram (Celexa), fluoxetine (Prozac, Sarafem), fluvoxamine (Luvox), paroxetine (Paxil), and sertraline (Zoloft). Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects. tell your doctor if you have or have ever had high blood pressure, carcinoids, a tumor of the adrenal gland (pheochromocytoma), an overactive thyroid, or phenylketonuria.