Linezolid

The recommended dose of linezolid depends on the type of infection being treated. It is given either by slow injection into a vein (intravenous infusion) or by tablets or liquid when taken by mouth.

If taken by mouth for uncomplicated skin and skin-structure infections, the dose is usually 400 mg every 12 hours for 10 to 14 days. For most other types of infections, the usual dose is 600 mg given either by intravenous infusion or by mouth every 12 hours for 10 to 14 days or for 14 to 28 days (depending on the type of infection being treated). The tablets may be taken with or without food.

Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

It is very important to take Linezolid exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Finish all Linezolid, even if you have started to feel better.

If you miss a dose of Linezolid, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Store Linezolid at room temperature, protect it from light and moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

In addition to its desired action, this medication may cause some adverse effects, notably: it may cause headaches; it may cause diarrhea; it may alter your sense of taste; it may cause sleep disturbances or insomnia; it may cause nausea and vomiting. Each person may react differently to a treatment. If you think this medication may be causing adverse effects (including those described here, or others), talk to your health care professional. He or she can help you to determine whether or not the medication is the source of the problem.

Linezolid injection by Teva is no longer being manufactured for sale in Canada. For brands that may still be available, search under linezolid. This article is being kept available for reference purposes only. If you are using Linezolid, speak with your doctor or pharmacist for information about your treatment options.

Do not use Linezolid if you:

• are allergic to linezolid or any ingredients of Linezolid
• have taken monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors (e.g., Phenelzine, Tranylcypromine) in the past 2 weeks
• have uncontrolled high blood pressure
• have untreated Thyroid disease
• have pheochromocytoma (tumour of the adrenal gland)
• are taking medications that increase blood pressure (e.g., Pseudoephedrine, Epinephrine, dopamine)
• are taking medications that affect the messenger serotonin (e.g., antidepressants, "triptan" migraine medications, Buspirone)
• have Carcinoid Syndrome (a group of symptoms which results from the release of hormones, such as serotonin, from carcinoid tumours)

There may be an interaction between linezolid and any of the following:

• alcohol
• amphetamines (e.g., Dextroamphetamine, Lisdexamfetamine)
• antiemetics (e.g., Granisetron, Ondansetron)
• antipsychotics (e.g., Chlorpromazine, Clozapine, Haloperidol, Olanzapine, Quetiapine, Risperidone)
• apraclonidine
• Atomoxetine
• atropine eye drops
• BCG
• Betahistine
• Bezafibrate
• brimonidine
• Bromocriptine
• fast acting bronchodilators (e.g., salbutamol, terbutaline)
• long acting bronchodilators (e.g., formoterol, salmeterol)
• Buprenorphine
• Bupropion
• buspirone
• Cabergoline
• caffeine
• Carbamazepine
• Cholera vaccine
• Cladribine
• Cyclobenzaprine
• decongestant cold medications (e.g., phenylephrine, pseudoephedrine)
• decongestant eye drops and nose sprays (e.g., naphazoline, oxymetazoline, xylometazoline)
• Deferiprone
• dexmethylphenidate
• Dextromethorphan
• diabetes medications (e.g., chlorpropamide, Glyburide, insulin, Metformin, Rosiglitazone)
• diphenoxylate
• dipivefrin
• Disopyramide
• Domperidone
• Entacapone
• epinephrine
• ergot alkaloids (e.g., ergotamine, Dihydroergotamine)
• levodopa
• lithium
• Meperidine
• Methadone
• methyldopa
• methylene blue
• Methylphenidate
• Metoclopramide
• Midodrine
• mifepristone
• Mirtazapine
• Modafinil
• monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors (e.g., phenelzine, tranylcypromine, Moclobemide, Selegiline)
• narcotic pain relievers (e.g., Fentanyl, Hydromorphone, Morphine, Oxycodone)
• Pindolol
• Pizotifen
• reserpine
• St. John's wort
• selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs, e.g., Citalopram, Escitalopram, Fluoxetine, Fluvoxamine, Paroxetine, Sertraline)
• serotonin agonists ("triptan" migraine medications; e.g., Sumatriptan, Zolmitriptan, Rizatriptan, Almotriptan)
• serotonin/norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs; e.g., Desvenlafaxine, Duloxetine, Venlafaxine)
• sodium picosulfate
• Tetrabenazine
• theophyllines (e.g., Aminophylline, Oxtriphylline, Theophylline)
• tolcapone
• Tramadol
• Trazodone
• tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., Amitriptyline, Clomipramine, Desipramine, Imipramine)
• Tryptophan
• typhoid vaccine
• Warfarin

If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with Linezolid. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications that you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the Nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Linezolid.

Antibiotic-associated diarrhea: Linezolid, like other antibiotics, may cause a potentially dangerous condition called antibiotic-associated, or pseudomembranous, colitis. Symptoms include severe, watery diarrhea that may be bloody. If you notice these symptoms, stop taking linezolid and contact your doctor as soon as possible.

Bacterial resistance: Misuse of an antibiotic such as linezolid may lead to the growth of resistant bacteria that will not be killed by the antibiotic. If this happens, the antibiotic may not work for you in the future. Although you may begin to feel better early in your course of treatment with linezolid, you need to take the full course exactly as directed to finish ridding your body of the infection and to prevent resistant bacteria from taking hold. Do not take linezolid or other antibiotics to treat a viral infection such as The Common Cold; antibiotics do not kill viruses, and using them to treat viral infections can lead to the growth of resistant bacteria.

Diabetes: Linezolid may cause a loss of blood glucose control and glucose tolerance may change. People with diabetes may find it necessary to monitor their blood sugar more frequently while using Linezolid. Symptoms of low blood sugar include lightheadedness, weakness, cool, pale skin, or rapid heart rate.

If you have diabetes, discuss with your doctor how Linezolid may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Linezolid, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Foods with high tyramine content: When using Linezolid, avoid large quantities of foods or beverages with high tyramine content (e.g., draft beers, red wines, soy sauce, aged cheeses). The combination of linezolid and large amounts of tyramine may result in episodes of dangerously high blood pressure, which can be life-threatening.

Lactic acidosis: Rarely, linezolid may cause a serious condition called lactic acidosis (build-up of lactic acid in the blood). If you experience recurrent nausea or vomiting while taking Linezolid, get immediate medical attention.

Low blood cell counts: Linezolid may cause low blood cell counts. If you experience unusual weakness or tiredness, unusual bleeding or bruising, shortness of breath, or fever while taking linezolid contact your doctor immediately. Your doctor will monitor your blood cell counts while you are taking Linezolid.

Nerve problems: Linezolid may cause a nerve problem called peripheral Neuropathy, especially when used for longer than recommended. If you experience numbness, tingling or prickling sensations, or burning pain while taking Linezolid, contact your doctor.

Other medical conditions: Linezolid may cause symptoms of other illnesses to become worse. If you have uncontrolled high blood pressure, pheochromocytoma, carcinoid syndrome, or untreated overactive thyroid, discuss with your doctor how Linezolid may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Linezolid, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Overgrowth of organisms: Treatment with antibiotics such as linezolid may allow normal fungus or types of bacteria not killed by the antibiotic to overgrow and cause unwanted infections such as yeast infections. Contact your doctor if you experience fever or chills while taking Linezolid.

Seizures: Linezolid may cause seizures, especially for people with a history of seizures or who are at risk for seizures. Get immediate medical attention if you experience a seizure while taking Linezolid.

Serotonin syndrome: Severe reactions are possible when linezolid is combined with other medications that act on serotonin, such as tricyclic antidepressants and serotonin reuptake inhibitors, medications used to treat Depression. These combinations must be avoided. Symptoms of a reaction may include muscle rigidity and spasms, difficulty moving, changes in mental state including delirium and agitation. Coma and death are possible.

If you are taking antidepressants, discuss with your doctor how Linezolid may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Linezolid, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Vision problems: Linezolid may cause vision problems, especially when used for longer than recommended. If you experience vision changes (e.g., blurred vision, changes in colour vision, trouble seeing clearly) while taking Linezolid, contact your doctor immediately.

Pregnancy: Linezolid should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Linezolid, contact your doctor immediately.

Breast-feeding: It is not known if linezolid passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Linezolid, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.

Children: The safety and effectiveness of using Linezolid have not been established for children and adolescents less than 18 years old.

This medication is typically used twice a day. However, your pharmacist may have suggested a different schedule that is more appropriate for you. Generally, a treatment with this medication lasts several days. Take it for the entire time prescribed in order to achieve the medication's full benefit. If you forget a dose, take it as soon as you remember -- unless it is almost time for your next dose. In that case, skip the missed dose. Do not double the next dose to catch up. This medication may be taken with or without food. A severe reaction may occur if this medication is taken with certain foods, such as: fermented cheese, cold cuts, beer, shrimp, organ meats and red wine. Avoid these foods during your treatment.