Linezolid injection

What is this medicine?

LINEZOLID (li NE zoh lid) is an oxazolidinone antibiotic. It is used to treat certain kinds of bacterial infections. It will not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections.

How should I use this medicine?

This medicine is infused through a vein. It is usually given by a health care provider in a hospital or clinic.

If you receive this medicine at home, you will receive special instructions. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Take all of your medicine as directed even if you think your are better. Do not skip doses or stop your medicine early.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as newborn for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

• breathing problems

• burning, numbness, or tingling

• changes in blood pressure

• changes in vision

• confusion or restlessness

• fast, irregular heartbeat

• fever

• seizures

• tremor

• unusual bleeding or bruising

• unusually weak or tired

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• changes in taste

• constipation or diarrhea

• dizziness

• headache

• nausea, vomiting

• stomach upset

• trouble sleeping

• vaginal itch or irritation

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

• bupropion

• certain medicines for depression, anxiety, or psychotic disturbances

• doxepin

• fluoxetine

• furazolidone

• green tea

• MAOIs like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate

• milnacipran

• procarbazine

• rasagiline

• selegiline

• St. John's wort

• tryptophan

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

• birth control pills

• medicines for allergies or colds like phenylpropanolamine, pseudoephedrine

• medicines for blood pressure

• stimulant medicines for attention disorders, weight loss, or to stay awake

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

You will be instructed on how to store this medicine, if needed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date on the label.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• cancer

• diabetes

• heart disease

• high blood pressure

• kidney disease

• pheochromocytoma

• thyroid disease

• an unusual or allergic reaction to linezolid, other antibiotics or medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Tell your doctor or health care professional if your symptoms do not start to get better or if you get new symptoms.

You will need to be on a special diet while taking this medicine. Ask your doctor or health care professional for a list of foods that you should try to avoid. This includes, but is not limited to, smoked or processed meats, aged cheeses, soy sauce, red wines and beer.

Do not treat diarrhea with over-the-counter products. Contact your doctor if you have diarrhea that lasts more than 2 days or if the diarrhea is severe and watery.