Linezolid



Zyvox™







Linezolid

(li NE zoh lid)

U.S. Brand Names
Zyvox™
Canadian Brand Names
Zyvoxam®
Pharmacologic Category
Antibiotic, Oxazolidinone
What key warnings should I know about before taking this medicine?
  • Linezolid may cause anemia, low white blood cell counts, low platelet counts, or may decrease production of all cells made in the bone marrow. Complete blood counts should be done weekly while on this medicine.
Reasons not to take this medicine
  • If you have an allergy to linezolid or any other part of this medicine.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.
What is this medicine used for?
  • This medicine is used to treat a variety of bacterial infections.
How does it work?
  • Linezolid works to injure the bacteria and fight the infection.
How is it best taken?
  • To gain the most benefit, do not miss doses.
  • Use prescription as directed, even if feeling better.
  • Take this medicine with or without food. Take with food if it causes an upset stomach.
  • Follow diet instructions. Certain foods and drinks taken with this medicine can cause very dangerous reactions such as sudden high blood pressure. To prevent these problems, get a list of foods to avoid from a nutritionist.
  • Avoid eating foods such as aged cheeses and meats, soy sauce, soy bean including paste, Miso soup, Italian green beans (fava beans), snowpea or broad bean pods, sauerkraut, kimchee, concentrated yeast extracts (Marmite), wine, beer including alcohol-free beer.
  • A liquid (suspension) is available if you cannot swallow pills. Gently mix before use. Do not shake.
  • Those who have feeding tubes can also use the liquid. Flush the feeding tube before and after medicine is given.
What do I do if I miss a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)
  • Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
  • If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.
  • Do not take a double dose or extra doses.
What are the precautions when taking this medicine?
  • Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.
  • If you have PKU, talk with healthcare provider. Some products do contain phenylalanine.
  • If you are taking this medicine and have high blood pressure, talk with healthcare provider before using over-the-counter products that may increase blood pressure. These include cough or cold remedies, diet pills, stimulants, ibuprofen or like products, and certain natural products or supplements.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.
What are some possible side effects of this medicine?
  • Anemia, low white blood cell count, and low platelet count can rarely occur.
  • Headache.
  • Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard, sugar-free candy, or chewing sugar-free gum may help.
  • Diarrhea. Yogurt, Bifidobacterium bifidum , or Lactobacillus acidophilus may help. These products are available at health food stores or in some pharmacies.
What should I monitor?
  • Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?
  • Check blood pressure and heart rate regularly if you have heart disease.
  • Check blood work regularly. Talk with healthcare provider.
  • Take good care of your teeth. See a dentist regularly.
Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately
  • If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center immediately or dial 911.
  • Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
  • Difficulty breathing.
  • Severe headache.
  • Severe nausea or vomiting.
  • Severe diarrhea.
  • Severe dizziness or passing out.
  • Unusual bruising or bleeding.
  • Feeling extremely tired or weak.
  • Sudden change in vision.
  • Any rash.
  • No improvement in condition or feeling worse.
How should I store this medicine?
  • Store at room temperature.
  • Protect from light.
  • Protect tablets from moisture. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.
  • Store liquid (suspension) at room temperature. Throw away any unused portion after 3 weeks.
General statements
  • If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.
  • Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
  • Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).
  • Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.
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