Linezolid
About Linezolid
Linezolid belongs to the class of medicines called oxazolidinones used to treat bacterial infections of the lungs (pneumonia), and skin. It is also used to treat infections which are resistant to other antibiotics. Bacterial infections are caused due to the multiplication of harmful bacteria inside or on the body. Linezolid does not work against infections caused by the virus, including cold and flu.
Linezolid contains Linezolid. It treats infection by stopping the growth of infection-causing bacteria.
Linezolid shows some common side-effects like thrush (fungal infection), headache, metallic taste, diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, constipation, indigestion and localized pain. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to consult your doctor if you experience these side effects persistently.
Inform your doctor before receiving this injection if you are pregnant or planning pregnancy. Linezolid passes into breastmilk and can cause diarrhoea and vomiting in infants; therefore, discontinue breastfeeding prior to and throughout the treatment. Avoid alcohol consumption while taking Linezolid as it may cause increased dizziness. Linezolid may cause dizziness and vision problems, so drive and operate machinery only if you are alert. Keep your doctor informed about your health condition and your ongoing medications to rule out any interactions.
Uses of Linezolid
Medicinal Benefits
Linezolid belongs to the class of medicines called oxazolidinones used to treat bacterial infections of the lungs (pneumonia), and skin. It is also used to treat infections which are resistant to other antibiotics. Linezolid contains Linezolid. It treats infection by stopping the growth of infection-causing bacteria.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Linezolid
- Thrush (fungal infection)
- Headache
- Metallic taste
- Diarrhoea
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Dizziness
- Constipation
- Indigestion
- Localized pain
Drug Warnings
Let your doctor know before receiving Linezolid if you are allergic to any of its contents; Linezolid should not be taken if you are taking or have taken monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors in the last 14 days. Inform your doctor if you have high blood pressure, overactive thyroid, phaeochromocytoma (tumour of adrenal glands), carcinoid syndrome (tumours of the hormone system), manic depression, schizophrenia, confusion or other mental problems. Inform your doctor if you have bruises or bleeding disorders, have anaemia (low red blood cells), are prone to infections, have a history of seizures, if you are on dialysis, have diarrhoea, kidney or liver problems. Consult your doctor immediately if you experience a throbbing headache, vision problems, loss of sensitivity or tingling/prickling sensation in arms and legs, persistent diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain or rapid breathing.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Linezolid may interact with MAOI (phenelzine, isocarboxazid, selegiline, moclobemide), decongestants (pseudoephedrine), drugs used to treat asthma (salbutamol, terbutaline, fenoterol), drugs used to treat migraine (sumatriptan, zolmitriptan), hormone (epinephrine, norepinephrine), pain killer (pethidine), drugs used to treat anxiety (buspirone), blood thinner (warfarin), antibiotic (rifampicin).
Drug-Food Interactions: Avoid foods and drinks containing tyramine such as cheese, yeast extracts, soybean extracts, alcohol, beer or wine while taking Linezolid as it may react with tyramine and lead to an increase in blood pressure.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform your doctor if you have colitis (inflammation in the lining of the colon), seizures, high blood pressure, acidosis (increased acidity in the blood), carcinoid syndrome (cancerous tumour which secretes chemicals into the bloodstream), hemodialysis, hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar levels), neuropathy, kidney and liver dysfunction.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeAvoid consuming alcohol while taking Linezolid as it may cause increased dizziness.
Pregnancy
cautionThere is no sufficient and rigorous research on pregnant women. However, if you are pregnant, inform your doctor. Your doctor may prescribe this medicine only if the possible benefit outweighs the potential risk to the foetus.
Breast Feeding
cautionIf you are a breastfeeding mother, inform your doctor before receiving this medicine. Linezolid passes into breastmilk and can cause diarrhoea and vomiting in infants; therefore, discontinue breastfeeding prior to and throughout the treatment.
Driving
cautionLinezolid may cause dizziness and vision problems. So, drive only if you are alert.
Liver
cautionLong-term treatment with Linezolid may worsen your liver condition if you have liver problems. Dose adjustment may be needed. Please inform your doctor before taking Linezolid if you have liver impairment/liver disease or a history of liver conditions.
Kidney
cautionLinezolid does not require dose adjustment for kidney dysfunction as the majority of both drugs undergo nonrenal clearance. However, if you have kidney problems, inform your doctor before receiving this injection.
Children
safe if prescribedYour doctor will weigh the benefits and potential risks before prescribing Linezolid for your children based on age and the condition of the child.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Antibiotics can kill the useful bacteria in the stomach, which help in digestion. Therefore, you are advised to take foods rich in probiotics such as yoghurt/curd, kefir, sauerkraut, tempeh, kimchi, miso, kombucha, buttermilk, natto and cheese.
- Eat fibre-rich food like whole grains, beans, lentils, berries, broccoli, peas and bananas.
- Avoid foods rich in calcium, grapefruit and grapefruit juice as they might hinder the absorption of antibiotics.
- Avoid consumption of alcohol and usage of tobacco.
Special Advise
- Linezolid may affect certain laboratory test results such as blood tests, blood sugar tests, and liver and kidney function tests. Inform the person doing the tests that you are taking Linezolid.
- If you develop a throbbing headache after eating or drinking, inform your doctor immediately.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Bacterial infections: A bacterial infection is a condition in which harmful bacteria enter, multiply, and infect the body. Infectious or harmful bacteria can reproduce quickly in your body and make you sick. These harmful bacteria produce chemicals known as toxins, which can damage your body tissues. Symptoms include fever, chills, and fatigue. Anyone can become infected with a bacterial infection. But, people with a weak immune system or taking immunosuppressive medicines are more prone to bacterial infections.
FAQs
Linezolid belongs to the class of medicines called oxazolidinones used to treat bacterial infections of the lungs (pneumonia), and skin. It is also used to treat infections which are resistant to other antibiotics.
Linezolid works by stopping the growth of infection-causing bacteria. Thus, it treats the infection.
Diarrhoea might be a side-effect of Linezolid. Drink lots of fluids and eat non-spicy food if you experience diarrhoea. If you find blood in stools (tarry stools) or if you have prolonged diarrhoea with abdominal pain while on treatment with Linezolid, inform your doctor. Do not take anti-diarrheal medicine on your own.
Linezolid may cause oral or vaginal thrush or candidiasis, which is a fungal infection occurring due to the overgrowth of yeast-like fungus in the mouth/throat or vagina. Consult your doctor if the condition persists or worsens.
Linezolid may affect certain laboratory test results such as blood tests, blood sugar tests, and liver and kidney function tests. Inform the lab technician that you are on treatment with Linezolid.
Linezolid may cause anaemia due to a decrease in the number of red blood cells. This could also cause unexplained bleeding or bruising. Consult your doctor if you experience unexplained bleeding or bruising.
