Linezolid is used to treat certain bacterial infections.
What is Linezolid?
Linezolid works by interfering with the production of proteins needed by bacteria to grow.
How should Linezolid be taken?
Linezolid can be administered orally or intravenously via infusion.
Side effects associated with Linezolid
Prolonged or repetitive use of linezolid may increase the risk of new infections. In addition, the drug may reduce the number of platelets in the blood and cause lactic acidosis, severe eye problems or hypoglycemia.
Among the other possible side effects of linezolid include the following:
- Bad taste in the mouth
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Nausea
- Insomnia
- Vomiting
It is important to contact a doctor immediately if you experience:
- Rash
- Urticaria
- Difficulty breathing
- Tightness in the chest or chest pain
- Swelling of the mouth, face, lips or tongue
- Unusual hoarseness
- Agitation
- Bloody stool
- Bloody vomit
- Fever, sore throat or chills
- Confusion
- Exaggerated reflexes
- Excitement
- Rapid heartbeat
- Loss of coordination
- Changes in mood or behavior
- Muscle spasms
- Severe or persistent nausea or vomiting
- Redness, swelling, blistering or peeling of the skin
- Convulsions
- Severe or persistent diarrhea, headache or dizziness
- Stomach pain or cramps
- Sweating
- Swelling of the hands or feet
- Tingling or numbness in hands or feet
- Bruising or bleeding
- Unusual fatigue or weakness
- Irritation or vaginal discharge
- Vision problems
- White patches in the mouth
Contraindications and warnings associated with the use of Linezolid
Linezolid is contraindicated if you are taking amphetamines, appetite suppressants, COMT inhibitors, cyclobenzaprine, dexmethylphenidate, fentanyl, levodopa, meperidine, sibutramine, sympathomimetic, tetrabenazine or triptans. It is also prohibited in cases where 14 days prior, certain medications such as apraclonidine, bupropion, busipirone, dextromethorphan, MAO inhibitors, nefazodone, norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, SNRIs, SSRIs, tricyclic or tetracyclic antidepressants, trazodone or vilazodone, were taken.
Linezolid is contraindicated in cases of treatment with fluoxetine (within the previous 5 weeks). During treatment with this medication, it is also important to cut down on tyramine rich foods. Linezolid can impair the ability to drive or operate hazardous machinery. This side effect can be aggravated by alcohol and certain other medications.
Before starting treatment with linezolid, it is important to tell your doctor if:
- You have any allergies to the active substance, its excipients or to any other drugs, food or various substances
- You are taking any other medications, herbal remedies or supplements. Mentioning in particular: antidepressants, amphetamines, appetite suppressants, apraclonidine, beta 2 agonists, bupropion, busipirone, COMT inhibitors, cyclobenzaprine, dexmethylphenidate, dextromethorphan, fentanyl, ginseng, levodopa, MAO inhibitors, meperidine, methylphenidate, nefazodone, norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, propoxyphene, sibutramine, SNRI, SSRIs, sympathomimetic, tetrabenazine, trazodone, triptans, tryptophan, vilazodone, insulin or oral agents, barbiturates, carbamazepine, hydantoins or rifamycins
- You are suffering (or have suffered) from diabetes, high blood pressure, kidney or liver problems, bone marrow problems, eyes problems, pheochromocytoma, carcinoid syndrome, seizures, hyperthyroidism or infections
- You are pregnant or breast-feeding
It is also important to inform physicians, surgeons and dentists of any ongoing treatment with linezolid.
