Linezolid
About
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 which works by stopping the growth of infection-causing bacteria. Thereby treats the infection.
In some cases, you may experience common side-effects such as thrush (fungal infection), headache, metallic taste, diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, constipation, and indigestion. Most of these side-effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to talk to your doctor if you experience these side-effects persistently.
Do not take Linezolid on your own, as self-medication may lead to antibiotic-resistance in which antibiotics fail to act against specific bacterial infections. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or planning for pregnancy. Linezolid passes into breastmilk, so do not take Linezolid if you are breastfeeding. Avoid alcohol consumption while taking Linezolid as it may cause increased dizziness. Linezolid may cause dizziness and vision problems, so be cautious while driving and operating machinery.
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 which works by stopping the growth of infection-causing bacteria. Thereby treats the infection.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Linezolid
- Thrush (fungal infection)
- Headache
- Metallic taste
- Diarrhoea
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Dizziness
- Constipation
- Indigestion
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Do not take Linezolid if you are allergic to any of its contents; if you are taking or have taken monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors in the last 14 days. Talk to 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 bruise or bleed easily, 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 after eating or drinking, vision problems, loss of sensitivity or tingling/prickling sensation in arms and legs, persistent diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain or rapid breathing. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant. Linezolid passes into breastmilk, so do not take Linezolid if you are breastfeeding. Linezolid may cause dizziness and vision problems, so be cautious while driving.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Linezolid may have interaction with anti-asthma (albuterol, ipratropium), antihistamine (diphenhydramine), diuretics (furosemide), anti-emetic (ondansetron), anti-hypertensive agent (metoprolol).
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 or liver dysfunction.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeAvoid consuming alcohol while taking Linezolid as it may cause increased dizziness.
Pregnancy
cautionLinezolid belongs to pregnancy category C. Please consult your doctor if you are pregnant, your doctor will prescribe Linezolid only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
unsafeAvoid taking Linezolid if you are breastfeeding as it may pass into breast milk and could affect the baby.
Driving
cautionLinezolid may cause dizziness and vision problems. So, drive only if you are alert.
Liver
cautionDose adjustment may be needed. Please consult your doctor if you have liver impairment/liver disease.
Kidney
cautionDose adjustment may be needed. Please consult your doctor if you have any concerns regarding this or if you have kidney impairment/kidney disease.
Children
unsafeLinezolid is not recommended for children below 18years.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Antibiotics can alter 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, liver and kidney function tests. Inform the person doing the tests that you are taking Linezolid.
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 make you sick and reproduce quickly in the body. These harmful bacteria produce chemicals known as toxins, which can damage tissue and make you sick. 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 works by stopping the growth of infection-causing bacteria. Thereby 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, stop taking Linezolid and consult your doctor. Do not take anti-diarrheal medicine on your own.
It is recommended to complete the course of Linezolid even if you feel better as it is an antibiotic, and leaving it in between may lead to even severe infection. To treat your condition effectually, continue taking Linezolid for as long as your doctor has prescribed it.
Linezolid may cause thrush or candidiasis, which is a fungal infection occurring due to the overgrowth of yeast-like fungus in the mouth or throat. Regularly rinse your mouth with water to prevent the growth of fungus.
Do not take Linezolid on your own, as self-medication may lead to antibiotic-resistance in which antibiotics fail to act against specific bacterial infections.
Linezolid may affect certain laboratory test results such as blood tests, blood sugar tests, liver and kidney function tests. Inform the person doing the tests that you are taking 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.
Consult your doctor before taking Linezolid if you have hypertension (high blood pressure), as Linezolid may cause an increase in blood pressure.
You should avoid taking large quantities of food that contain high tyramine in it. Foods that are fermented, cured, aged or spoiled contain a high amount of tyramine, e.g. cheese, red wine, pickle, overripe fruits etc. Consuming tyramine while taking Linezolid can result in an elevation of blood pressure, which may result in an emergency.
