Linezolid (By mouth)

Introduction

Linezolid (lin-AYZ-oh-lid)

Treats bacterial infections and certain types of skin infections or pneumonia. This medicine is an antibiotic.

Brand Name(s)

Zyvox

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

How to Use This Medicine

Tablet, Liquid

• Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• You may take this medicine with or without food.
• If you are using the oral liquid, gently turn the bottle upside down several times before pouring your dose. Do not shake the bottle. Measure your medicine with a marked measuring spoon or medicine cup.
• Keep using this medicine for the full treatment time, even if you feel better after the first few doses. Your infection may not clear up if you stop using the medicine too soon.

If a dose is missed:

• If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine

• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. You may keep the oral liquid for up to 21 days. After that, throw away any unused medicine.
• Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using a cold medicine, or a decongestant such as pseudoephedrine. Tell your doctor if you are using medicine for depression, anxiety, or panic disorder. These may include citalopram, fluoxetine, paroxetine, sertraline, amitriptyline, doxepin, nortriptyline, Celexa®, Effexor®, Lexapro?, Paxil®, Prozac®, Sarafem®, Zoloft®, Elavil®, Pamelor®, or Sinequan®.
• Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using an MAO inhibitor (MAOI) such as Eldepryl®, Marplan®, Nardil®, or Parnate®. Avoid foods or drinks that contain tyramine. This includes aged cheeses, dried meats, sauerkraut, soy sauce, tap beers, or red wines.

Warnings While Using This Medicine

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breast feeding. Your doctor will need to know if you have bone marrow problems, high blood pressure, kidney disease, or if you are on dialysis. Tell your doctor if you have any other infections that you are treating with other antibiotics. Tell your doctor if you have pheochromocytoma, carcinoid syndrome, or untreated hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid).
• If you have severe diarrhea, ask your doctor before taking any medicine to stop the diarrhea.
• Your doctor will need to check your blood at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments.
• If your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse, call your doctor.
• The oral liquid medicine contains phenylalanine (aspartame). This is only a concern if you have a disorder called phenylketonuria (a problem with amino acids). If you have this condition, talk to your doctor before using this medicine.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Diarrhea that may contain blood.
• Extreme weakness, tiredness, or confusion.
• High fever.
• Lightheadedness or fainting.
• Numbness, tingling, or burning pain in your hands, arms, legs, or feet.
• Rapid breathing, or severe nausea and vomiting.
• Unusual bleeding or bruising.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Headache.
• Mild nausea, diarrhea, or vomiting.

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088