linezolid

(lih NEH zoe lid)
Zyvox

What is the most important information I should know about linezolid?

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Foods that have a high level of tyramine can cause a severe reaction when consumed during treatment with linezolid. Symptoms may include severe headache, large pupils, neck stiffness, nausea, vomiting, sweating, irregular heartbeats, chest pain, and death. Call your doctor immediately if you experience any of these symptoms. The following foods contain high levels of tyramine and should be avoided:

cheeses, including American, Blue, Boursault, Brick, Brie, Camembert, Cheddar, Emmenthaler, Gruyere, Mozzarella, Parmesan, Romano, Roquefort, Stilton, and Swiss;

fermented or air-dried meats;

sauerkraut;

soy sauce; and

tap beer (alcoholic and nonalcoholic), red wine (especially Chianti), sherry, vermouth, and other distilled spirits.

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Blood problems (low levels of red and white blood cells) have been reported with the use of linezolid. Your doctor may want to monitor your blood with periodic blood tests during treatment with this medication.

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In some cases, use of linezolid has been associated with the development of lactic acidosis (increased acidity of the blood). Notify your doctor immediately if you develop severe or recurrent nausea or vomiting, which may be signs of lactic acidosis.

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As with all antibiotics, pseudomembranous colitis (inflammation of the intestines) has been reported with the use of linezolid. Contact your doctor immediately if you develop diarrhea during treatment with linezolid.

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Take all of the linezolid that has been prescribed for you even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may start to improve before the infection is completely treated.

What is linezolid?

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Linezolid is an antibiotic in a class of drugs called oxazolidinone antibiotics. Linezolid fights bacteria in the body.

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Linezolid is used to treat different types of bacterial infections, such pneumonia and skin infections caused by bacteria. Linezolid is often used to treat infections that may not respond to other antibiotics.

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Linezolid may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking linezolid?

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Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you:

have had an allergic reaction to linezolid;

have uncontrolled high blood pressure;

have carcinoid syndrome;

have untreated hyperthyroidism;

have pheochromocytoma;

have kidney disease;

have liver disease;

have bone marrow suppression or are taking a medication that can affect bone marrow or blood cells;

are taking a psychiatric medicine such as venlafaxine (Effexor), nefazodone (Serzone), amitriptyline (Elavil, Endep), amoxapine (Asendin), imipramine (Tofranil), nortriptyline (Pamelor), doxepin (Sinequan), fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline (Zoloft), paroxetine (Paxil), mirtazapine (Remeron), citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram (Lexapro), and others;

are taking a migraine medicine such as almotriptan (Axert), frovatriptan (Frova), eletriptan (Relpax), naratriptan (Amerge), rizatriptan (Maxalt), sumatriptan (Imitrex), or zolmitriptan (Zomig); or

are taking a decongestant or diet aid that contains ingredients such as phenylpropanolamine, pseudoephedrine, ephedrine, phenylephrine, and others.

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You may not be able to take linezolid , or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

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The suspension form of this medication contains phenylalanine. People with the disease phenylketonuria (PKU) may need to monitor their intake of this additive.

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Linezolid is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether linezolid will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take an linezolid without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.

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It is not known whether linezolid passes into breast milk. Do not take an linezolid without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take linezolid?

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Take linezolid exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

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Take each dose with a full glass of water.

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Linezolid can be taken with or without food.

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Before taking the suspension, gently mix it by turning the bottle upside down 3 to 5 times. Do not shake. To ensure that you get a correct dose, measure the suspension with a dose-measuring dropper, cup, or spoon, not a regular table spoon. Ask your pharmacist for a dose-measuring device if you do not have one.

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Take all of the linezolid that has been prescribed for you even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may start to improve before the infection is completely treated.

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It is important to take linezolid regularly to get the most benefit.

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Store linezolid at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Use the suspension within 21 days.

What happens if I miss a dose?

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Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next one as directed. Do not take a double dose of this medication.

What happens if I overdose?

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Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected.

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Symptoms of a linezolid overdose are unknown but may include decreased activity and difficulty with coordination.

What should I avoid while taking linezolid?

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cheeses, including American, Blue, Boursault, Brick, Brie, Camembert, Cheddar, Emmenthaler, Gruyere, Mozzarella, Parmesan, Romano, Roquefort, Stilton, and Swiss;

fermented or air-dried meats;

sauerkraut;

soy sauce; and

tap beer (alcoholic and nonalcoholic), red wine (especially Chianti), sherry, vermouth, and other distilled spirits.

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Do not take any other prescription or over-the-counter medicines without first talking to your doctor during treatment with linezolid. Many other medications can interact with linezolid, possibly resulting in dangerous side effects.

What are the possible side effects of linezolid?

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If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking linezolid and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:

an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives);

bleeding or bruising; or

fever with confusion.

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Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effects you experience, including the following:

headache;

nausea or vomiting;

insomnia;

constipation;

rash;

dizziness;

tongue discoloration;

taste alteration; or

yeast infection in the mouth.

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Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect linezolid?

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Linezolid can interact with many other drugs, and the interactions may lead to serious side effects. Do not take linezolid with any of the following medicines without first talking to your doctor:

a psychiatric medicine such as venlafaxine (Effexor), nefazodone (Serzone), amitriptyline (Elavil, Endep), amoxapine (Asendin), imipramine (Tofranil), nortriptyline (Pamelor), doxepin (Sinequan), fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline (Zoloft), paroxetine (Paxil), mirtazapine (Remeron), citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram (Lexapro), and others;

a migraine medicine such as almotriptan (Axert), eletriptan (Relpax), frovatriptan (Frova), naratriptan (Amerge), rizatriptan (Maxalt), sumatriptan (Imitrex), or zolmitriptan (Zomig); or

a decongestant or diet aid that contains ingredients such as phenylpropanolamine, pseudoephedrine, ephedrine, phenylephrine, and others , found in many prescription and over-the-counter cough and cold products and diet aids.

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Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with linezolid. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products.

Where can I get more information?

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Your pharmacist has more information about linezolid written for health professionals that you may read.

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Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

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Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.