What is Linezolid: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

How to take Linezolid

• Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

• Oral liquid: Gently turn the bottle upside down 3 to 5 times before you pour your dose. Do not shake the bottle. Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.

• Take all of the medicine in your prescription to clear up your infection, even if you feel better after the first few doses.

• Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

• 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.

• Take all of the medicine in your prescription to clear up your infection, even if you feel better after the first few doses.

• 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.

• Oral liquid: Gently turn the bottle upside down 3 to 5 times before you pour your dose. Do not shake the bottle. Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.

• Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

• Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

What to do if you miss a dose of Linezolid

Linezolid contraindications

• This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to linezolid.

Linezolid warnings

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have bone marrow problems, carcinoid syndrome, diabetes, pheochromocytoma (a tumor of the adrenal gland), thyroid problems, high blood pressure, other types of infection, or a history of seizures.

• This medicine may cause the following problems:Lactic acidosis (too much lactic acid in the blood)Serotonin syndromeNerve problems, especially in the eyes, hands, arms, legs, or feet

• This medicine may make you bleed, bruise, or get infections more easily. Take precautions to prevent illness and injury. Wash your hands often.

• This medicine can cause diarrhea. Call your doctor if the diarrhea becomes severe, does not stop, or is bloody. Do not take any medicine to stop diarrhea until you have talked to your doctor. Diarrhea can occur 2 months or more after you stop taking this medicine.

• The oral liquid contains phenylalanine (aspartame). Tell your doctor if you have phenylketonuria.

• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

• Talk with your doctor before using this medicine if you plan to have children. Some men who use this medicine have become infertile (unable to have children).

• If your symptoms do not improve within 28 days or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Linezolid interactions

• You must avoid many other medicines while you are using linezolid. These medicines used together could cause serious health problems, including death. Ask your doctor before you use any other medicine. You may need to wait 1 to 5 weeks before you can use the other medicine.

• Do not use linezolid if you have used an MAOI in the past 14 days.

• Some other medicines that may interact with linezolid include buspirone, bupropion, dobutamine, dopamine, meperidine, cold or allergy medicine (including phenylpropanolamine, pseudoephedrine), medicine to treat depression (SSRI, TCA), or medicine to treat migraine headaches. This is not a complete list.

• Avoid foods and drinks that are high in tyramine, because your blood pressure could get dangerously high. Your doctor should give you a complete list. In general, do not eat anything aged or fermented, such as most cheese, most alcohol, cured meat (such as salami), sauerkraut, and soy sauce. Check the expiration dates on packages. Tyramine levels get higher as food gets older or if it has not been refrigerated properly.

• The oral liquid contains phenylalanine (aspartame). This is only a concern if you have phenylketonuria.

• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

• Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.

• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.