Linezolid is an antibiotic. It is used to treat pneumonia (an infection which causes inflammation of the lungs) and certain bacterial infections of the skin or under the skin.
This medicine may be used to treat other conditions as decided by your doctor.
Take Linezolid exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
You may take this medicine with or without food. Try to take it at the same time each day.
Linezolid is available as a tablet or an oral suspension.
If you are taking the tablet, swallow it whole with a glass of water.
If you are taking an oral suspension, gently invert the bottle 3-5 times before you take it to ensure that the liquid is evenly mixed. Do not shake the bottle. Use the measuring spoon or cup provided to measure your dose.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on the type and severity of your infection.
Take Linezolid at regular intervals. Do not skip any doses. You must complete the entire course of this medicine. If you don't, the infection will not be properly controlled.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Do not take Linezolid if you ever had an allergic reaction (e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swollen eyes) to this medicine or any of its ingredients.
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- carcinoid syndrome (a group of symptoms caused by certain cancer known as carcinoid tumour)
- uncontrolled high blood pressure
- thyrotoxicosis (excessive thyroid hormones in the blood)
- phaeochromocytoma (rare tumour of the adrenal gland causing high blood pressure)
- mental disorders
as Linezolid may not be suitable for you.
Do not take Linezolid with medicines used to treat depression known as monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), and medicines for colds, migraine, anxiety, and severe pain. Please see the section "Can I take this with other medicines?" below for more information.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- history of fits or seizures
- diabetes
- severe liver disease
- severe kidney disease or undergoing dialysis
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Linezolid to a child. Children may be more sensitive to the side effects.
Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- Routine tests (e.g. complete blood count, blood sodium levels, eye examination) may be done while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
- Your blood pressure may rise to unsafe levels without you noticing it. Monitor your blood pressure during treatment.
Linezolid may cause dizziness or some problems with your eyesight. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert or need to see clearly.
Other side effects include any of the following: headache, nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting, stomach pain, constipation, dry mouth, metallic taste in the mouth, indigestion, difficulty sleeping, frequent passing of urine, itching, weakness, and ringing in the ears.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- rashes, breathlessness, swelling of the face, eyes or mouth
- severe diarrhoea accompanied by stomach cramps and watery or bloody stools
- recurrent nausea or vomiting, abdominal pain, rapid breathing
- fits or seizures
- changes in colour vision, field of vision becomes restricted, blurred vision
- muscle rigidity, confusion, excessive sweating, loss of coordination, fever
Linezolid may cause the level of your red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets to drop.
Red blood cells carry oxygen around your body. A fall in the level of red blood cells may make you feel tired and worn out.
White blood cells help your body fight infections. A fall in the level of your white blood cells may put you at higher risk for infections, such as coughs, colds and flu, which may lead to more serious infections. Avoid crowded places and people who are sick. Inform your doctor if you have a fever, cough, or flu that does not go away.
Platelets help your blood to clot when there is a cut in the skin. A fall in the level of your platelets may put you at risk of bleeding more than usual. Do not take part in activities where you may fall or get injured, such as contact sports. Inform your doctor if you get any unusual bruising (large bruises or several bruises, especially if the bruises appeared on their own) or bleeding that takes a long time to stop (for example, too much bleeding when you floss or brush your teeth).
Do not take this medicine if you are currently taking or have taken medicine to treat depression known as a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid, phenelzine and tranylcypromine within 14 days of stopping the MAOI.
Do not take Linezolid with the following medicines:
- medicines to treat depression e.g. citalopram, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, paroxetine, bupropion, amitriptyline, imipramine, doxepin
- medicines to treat migraine e.g. naratriptan, zolmitriptan
- medicines for colds e.g. pseudoephedrine, phenylpropanolamine
- pethidine (strong painkiller)
- buspirone (medicine to treat anxiety)
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking or using any of these medicines:
- medicines for diabetes e.g. insulin
- epinephrine (medicine to treat sudden and severe allergic reactions)
- rifampicin (medicine to treat TB, lung infection known as tuberculosis)
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Linezolid.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol and other drinks that contain tyramine such as red wine and beer.
Avoid foods that are rich in tyramine, such as cheese, sausages, salamis, soya beans, fava beans, broad beans and pickled foods like sauerkraut. Ask your doctor or dietitian about the types of food you should avoid.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Protect from light and moisture.
Once you have mixed the powder with water, the oral suspension can be stored at room temperature of up to 25°C. Throw away any unused portion after 21 days.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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