Linezolid
About Linezolid
Linezolid is used to treat bacterial infections of the lungs (pneumonia), skin and soft tissues. It is also used to treat infections that are resistant to other antibiotics, such as vancomycin-resistant enterococcal infections. Bacterial infections are caused by the multiplication of harmful bacteria inside or on the body.
Linezolid contains Linezolid, which inhibits bacterial protein synthesis, thereby killing the bacteria.
You may experience common side effects, such as headache, a metallic taste, diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, constipation, and indigestion. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention. However, talk to your doctor if you experience these side effects persistently.
Do not take Linezolid on your own, as it may lead to antibiotic resistance, in which antibiotics fail to act against specific bacterial infections. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant before taking Linezolid.
Uses of Linezolid
• Pneumonia (Lung Infection): Linezolid is effective in treating both community-acquired and hospital-acquired pneumonia caused by susceptible bacteria.
• Skin and Skin Structure Infections: Linezolid is used to treat mild to severe bacterial infections of the skin and its underlying tissues. It is also indicated for the treatment of diabetic foot infections, without associated bone infections (osteomyelitis).
• Antibiotic-Resistant Infections: Linezolid is indicated for infections caused by the bacteria Enterococcus faecium that are resistant to vancomycin, including intra-abdominal infections, skin and soft tissue infections, urinary tract infections, and concurrent bacteremia (presence of bacteria in the bloodstream).
Medicinal Benefits
For Pneumonia:
- Cures pneumonia brought on by resistant gram-positive bacteria.
- Beneficial for ventilator-associated pneumonia and pneumonia acquired in hospitals.
- Relieves the symptoms of infection, breathing and fever when other antibiotics are ineffective.
- Ideal for people who don't react to or can't handle other antibiotics.
For soft skin structures:
- Beneficial for complex soft tissue and skin infections, such as cellulitis, abscesses, and wound infections.
- Ensures efficient infection control by having good penetration into soft tissues and skin.
- Aids in lowering infection-related discomfort, redness, swelling, and pus production.
For Vancomycin-resistant enterococcal infections
- Beneficial for severe infections include bloodstream infections, intra-abdominal infections, and complex Vancomycin-resistant enterococcal infections.
- When other antibiotics are ineffective or poorly tolerated, it helps patients achieve better clinical results.
Directions for Use
- Linezolid can be taken with or without food, as advised by your doctor.
- Your doctor will decide the appropriate dosage and timing based on your medical condition.
- Swallow Linezolid as a whole with a glass of water.
- Do not crush or chew this medication.
Storage
Side Effects of Linezolid
- Thrush (fungal infection)
- Headache
- Metallic taste
- Diarrhoea
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Dizziness
- Constipation
- Indigestion
Medicines Containing this Salt
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Drug Warnings
- Do not take Linezolid if you are allergic to any of its contents or if you are taking or have taken monoamine oxidase (MAO-antidepressants) inhibitors in the last 14 days.
- Talk to your doctor if you have high blood pressure, an overactive thyroid, phaeochromocytoma (tumour of adrenal glands), carcinoid syndrome (tumours of the hormone system), manic depression, schizophrenia, confusion, or other mental problems.
- Consult your doctor if you are pregnant before taking Linezolid.
- Linezolid passes into breastmilk, so do not take Linezolid if you are breastfeeding.
- Linezolid may cause dizziness and vision problems; therefore, exercise caution when driving and operating machinery.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Inform your doctor if you are taking any of these medicines, as there may be an interaction.
- Antidepressant drugs (citalopram, amitriptyline)
• Potential effect: May increase the risk of side effects like agitation, confusion, increased blood pressure, and tremors. - Antiallergic drugs (epinephrine)
• Potential effect: May increase the effects of elevated blood pressure - Antimigraine medications (sumatriptan)
• Potential effect: May increase the risk of serotonin syndrome (a medical condition which occurs due to high levels of serotonin intake)
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 interact with tyramine and lead to an increase in blood pressure.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform your doctor if you have a history of the following conditions before taking Linezolid, as it may worsen your condition or cause complications.
- Colitis (inflammation in the lining of the colon)
- Seizures
- High blood pressure
- Hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar levels)
- Kidney or liver disease.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeAvoid consuming alcohol while taking Linezolid, as it may cause increased dizziness.
Pregnancy
consult your doctorLinezolid belongs to pregnancy category C. If you are pregnant, please consult your doctor before using Linezolid. Your doctor will prescribe it only if the potential benefits justify the possible risks.
Breast Feeding
unsafeAvoid taking Linezolid if you are breastfeeding, as it may pass into breast milk and cause harmful effects in the baby.
Driving
cautionLinezolid may cause dizziness and vision problems. So, drive only if you are alert.
Liver
cautionDose adjustment may be necessary if you have liver impairment or disease. Please consult your doctor to discuss any concerns or to ensure safe and appropriate use.
Kidney
cautionDose adjustment may be necessary if you have kidney impairment or disease. Please consult your doctor to discuss any concerns or to ensure safe and appropriate use.
Children
unsafeLinezolid is not recommended for children below 18 years of age.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
Eating changes:
- Avoid foods like salami, smoked meats, red wine, beer, pickles, soy sauce, aged cheeses, and fermented foods.
- Consume foods that are newly cooked rather than ones that are aged or preserved.
- Eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean meats to stay balanced.
Physical activity:
- As tolerated, engage in mild-to-moderate exercise, such as walking or gentle stretching.
- Ensure adequate sleep to support the healing process after an infection.
Environment changes:
- To reduce the risk of developing or worsening infections, stay in a clean, well-ventilated environment.
- Avoid dusty or congested areas, particularly during treatment for severe diseases.
- Keep your house and workplace clean and practice good hand hygiene.
Stress management:
- To manage stress and blood pressure, engage in mindfulness, meditation, or deep breathing exercises.
- To lessen mental stress, get emotional support from friends or family.
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. However, people with a weakened immune system or those taking immunosuppressive medications are more prone to bacterial infections.
FAQs
Linezolid is an antibiotic medication used to treat bacterial infections of the skin and lungs (pneumonia). It is also used to treat infections that are resistant to other antibiotics, such as vancomycin-resistant enterococcal infections.
Linezolid contains Linezolid (an antibiotic), which works by stopping the bacteria from making proteins necessary for their growth and multiplication, ultimately killing the bacteria. Thus, it helps treat the bacterial 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 more severe infection. To treat your condition effectively, 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, and 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 it may cause an increase in blood pressure.
You should avoid taking large quantities of food that contains high tyramine. Foods that are fermented, cured, aged or spoiled contain a high amount of tyramine, e.g. cheese, red wine, pickles, overripe fruits, etc. Consuming tyramine while taking Linezolid can result in an elevation of blood pressure, which may result in an emergency.
You should take it twice a day, every 12 hours, for example, at 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. You can take it before, with, or after food. Your doctor or clinician will determine the duration of the treatment course.
Linezolid is indicated for the treatment of gram-positive infections and is approved for treating skin and skin structure infections, bacterial pneumonia, and vancomycin-resistant enterococcal (VRE) infections, including those complicated by bacteremia.
It is usually taken with or without food or as directed by the doctor.
Common side effects of Linezolid may include 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.
Please consult your doctor. Linezolid should be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding only if needed, and the benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus.
Avoid consuming alcohol while taking Linezolid, as it may cause increased dizziness.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember, unless it is almost time for your next dose. In this case, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the regular time. Never take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
