Linezolide / Linezolid
Description
Linezolid is an antibiotic medicine used to treat respiratory and skin infectio
ns caused by certain types of bacteria only. It functions by inhibiting the formation of proteins that the bacteria require for growth and multiplication. This action will halt the spread of bacteria and manage the infection. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, and share your detailed medical history before commencing this medicine.
Uses
Linezolid is used to treat infections of the lung (pneumonia), skin and soft tissues, caused by a certain bacteria.
Contraindications
When should one not use Linezolide / Linezolid
- If you are allergic to Linezolid.
- If you are taking or have taken medicines for brain-related diseases such as Phenelzine, Selegiline or Moclobemide in the last 2 weeks.
- If you are breastfeeding.
Side effects
Common side effects of this drug are:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Headache
- Low blood cell counts (anaemia)
- Fungal infections
- Sleeplessness
- Dizziness
- Altered taste
- Pain or bloating of stomach, abnormal liver function tests
- Itching, rashes, fever
Precautions and Warnings
Pregnancy
Q:
Can I take Linezolid during pregnancy?
A:
Linezolid should not be used in pregnancy unless necessary, as limited information is available on the use of this medicine in pregnancy.
Breast Feeding
Q:
Can I take Linezolid while breastfeeding?
A:
Linezolid passes into breast milk and may cause harm to the newborn baby. Hence, it is recommended not to breastfeed while on treatment with this medicine.
Driving
Q:
Can I drive if I have consumed Linezolid?
A:
Caution is advisable as this medicine may cause side effects like dizziness and impaired vision. Driving should be avoided if any such symptoms occur.
Alcohol
Q:
Can I consume alcohol with Linezolid?
A:
Linezolid reacts with a substance called tyramine in alcohol and causes a rise in blood pressure. Hence, it is advisable to avoid alcohol or take it as less as possible while on treatment with this medicine.
Other General Warnings
Talk to your doctor if
- You have high blood pressure.
- You have any thyroid problems.
- You have cancer of the adrenal glands (small glands/ tissue present on the top of kidneys) or carcinoid syndrome (cancers of the hormonal system that may cause sweating, redness of skin or diarrhoea).
- You are suffering from any psychiatric disorders such as confusion, schizophrenia or any other brain problems.
- You have low red blood cell counts (anaemia) or any bleeding problems (bleed or bruise easily).
- You are at risk of or get infections, or you have diarrhoea.
- You have a history of convulsions (fits).
- You have liver or kidney problems (and if you are on dialysis for kidney failure).
Mode of Action
How Does It Work?
Linezolid works by blocking the formation of proteins required by the bacteria for their growth and multiplication. This will arrest the spread of bacteria and control the infection.
Interactions
Interactions with other medicines
- Linezolid interferes with the action of medicines used in psychiatric disorders such as Phenelzine, Selegiline, Trazodone, Mirtazapine, Imipramine, Amitriptyline (monoamine oxidase inhibitors and other medicines that alter serotonin levels in the brain) therefore should not be co-administered with this medicine....
- Medicines used for migraines such as Sumatriptan and Zolmitriptan.
- Medicines that increase blood pressure like dopamine, norepinephrine (noradrenaline), dobutamine, etc.
- Anti-anxiety medications such as Buspirone, opioid painkillers like Pethidine should be used cautiously.
- Medicines used to treat sudden, life-threatening allergic reactions like epinephrine (adrenaline).
- Medicines that prevent blood clotting like warfarin.
- Medicines used to treat nose blockage in cold and cough (decongestants like pseudoephedrine and phenylpropanolamine).
- Rifampicin, an antibiotic used to treat tuberculosis, can interfere with the activity of Linezolid.
Interactions with food items
Cheese, yeast extracts, fermented soya products such as soya sauce and undistilled alcoholic drinks (like beer and wine) should be taken in limited quantities (as low as possible) while on medication with Linezolid....
Content Details
WRITTEN BY
Dr. Ravi Kakarla
MBBS, MBA
REVIEWED BY
Dr. Ritu Budania
MBBS, MD (Pharmacology)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is there anything else I should know before taking this medicine?
A: Inform your doctor immediately if you experience any problems with your vision (blurring or impaired vision), if there is reduced or loss of sensation in your arms or legs, you develop diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain or if your breathing becomes rapid.
Q: How do I know if the diarrhoea is antibiotic-associated?
A: The diarrhoea is classified as associated with antibiotics if there are more than 3 watery stools in a day. The episodes of loose motions can start as early as 2 hours after taking the antibiotic and can occur for some time even after stopping the medication.
Q: What should I do if I have diarrhoea while on treatment with Linezolid?
A: Avoid foods containing poorly absorbable sugars like wheat, onion, cabbage, legumes, mushrooms, and seeded fruits like peaches, almonds, mangoes, apricots and dates. Inform your doctor if the stools are of any other color other than yellow and you feel dehydration, stomach cramps and fever. Do not self-treat or stop the antibiotics without consulting your doctor.
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Disclaimer
The information provided herein is supplied to the best of our abilities to make it accurate and reliable as it is published after a review by a team of professionals. This information is solely intended to provide a general overview on the product and must be used for informational purposes only. You should not use the information provided herein to diagnose, prevent, or cure a health problem. Nothing contained on this page is intended to create a doctor-patient relationship, replace or be a substitute for a registered medical practitioner's medical treatment/advice or consultation. The absence of any information or warning to any medicine shall not be considered and assumed as an implied assurance. We highly recommend that you consult your registered medical practitioner for all queries or doubts related to your medical condition. You hereby agree that you shall not make any health or medical-related decision based in whole or in part on anything contained in the Site. Please click here for detailed T&C.
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