Linezolid (oral/injection)

Linezolid is an antibiotic that attacks bacteria in the body. Linezolid is also an MAO (monoamine oxidase) inhibitor.

Linezolid is used to treat various bacterial infections, including pneumonia, skin infections, and infections that do not respond to other antibiotics.

Linezolid may also be used for reasons not mentioned in this medication guide.

Some medicines can cause unwanted or dangerous effects when used with linezolid. Tell your doctor about all other medicines you are taking.

Do not use linezolid if you have taken an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days, such as isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, or tranylcypromine.

You should not use linezolid if you are allergic to it.

Do not use linezolid if you have taken an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could happen. MAO inhibitors include isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, tranylcypromine, and others.

Tell your doctor if you also take stimulant medicine, opioid medicine, herbal products, or medicine for depression, mental illness, Parkinson's disease, migraine headaches, serious infections, or to prevent nausea and vomiting. An interaction with linezolid could lead to a serious condition called serotonin syndrome.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• high blood pressure;
• a thyroid disorder;
• a carcinoid tumor;
• bone marrow suppression or a weak immune system;
• kidney or liver disease;
• pheochromocytoma (adrenal gland tumor);
• diabetes;
• seizures; or
• if you use a catheter.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

If you are breastfeeding, tell your doctor if you notice diarrhea or vomiting in the nursing baby.

Linezolid liquid may contain phenylalanine and could be harmful if you have phenylketonuria (PKU).

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction (hives, difficulty breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash with blistering and peeling).

Linezolid may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor right away if you have:

• vision problems, changes in color vision;
• severe stomach pain, diarrhea that is watery or bloody;
• a seizure;
• sweating, feeling anxious or shaky (may be signs of low blood sugar);
• lactic acidosis--unusual muscle pain, trouble breathing, stomach pain, vomiting, irregular heart rate, dizziness, feeling cold, or feeling very weak or tired; or
• low blood cell counts--fever, chills, tiredness, weakness, confusion, mouth sores, skin sores, easy bruising, unusual bleeding, pale skin, cold hands and feet, feeling light-headed or short of breath.

Seek medical attention right away if you have symptoms of serotonin syndrome, such as: agitation, hallucinations, fever, sweating, shivering, fast heart rate, muscle stiffness, twitching, loss of coordination, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.

Common side effects of linezolid may include:

• nausea, vomiting, diarrhea;
• rash;
• anemia (low red blood cells); or
• headache, dizziness.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Linezolid oral is taken by mouth.

Linezolid tablets or liquid can be taken with or without food.

Gently mix the oral suspension (liquid) by turning the bottle upside down 3 to 5 times. Do not shake. Measure a dose with the supplied syringe or a dose-measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).

Linezolid injection is given in a vein.

Read and follow all Instructions for Use. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you need help.

Prepare an injection only when you are ready to give it. Call your pharmacist if the medicine has particles in it.

Do not reuse a needle or syringe. Place them in a puncture-proof "sharps" container and dispose of it following state or local laws. Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

You will need frequent medical tests. Your vision and blood pressure may also need to be checked often.

Keep using linezolid even if your symptoms quickly improve. Skipping doses could make your infection resistant to medication. Linezolid will not treat a viral infection (flu or a common cold).

Store all forms of linezolid at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Do not freeze. Throw away any liquid not used within 21 days.

Use the medicine as soon as possible, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not use two doses at the same time.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Do not take anti-diarrhea medicine without first asking your doctor. Diarrhea may be a sign of a new infection.

Eating tyramine while you are using linezolid can raise your blood pressure to dangerous levels. Avoid foods that have a high level of tyramine, such as:

• aged cheeses or meats;
• pickled or fermented meats, smoked or air-dried meats;
• sauerkraut;
• soy sauce;
• tap beer (alcoholic and nonalcoholic);
• red wine; or
• any meat, cheese, or other protein-based food that has been improperly stored.

You should be very familiar with the list of foods you must avoid while you are using linezolid.

Many drugs can impact linezolid, and some should not be taken together. Inform your doctor about all the other medicines you are using. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are included here.