Linezolid injection is used to treat infections, including pneumonia, and infections of the skin and blood. Linezolid is in a class of antibacterials called oxazolidinones. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria. Antibiotics will not kill viruses that can cause colds, flu, or other infections.
Linezolid injection comes as a solution (liquid) to be infused into a vein. It is usually given as an intravenous infusion over 30 minutes to two hours twice a day (every 12 hours) for 10 to 28 days. Children 11 years of age and younger usually receive linezolid injection two to three times a day (every 8 to 12 hours) for 10 to 28 days. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use linezolid injection exactly as directed. Do not use more or less of it or use it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Linezolid infusions are usually given by a doctor or nurse. Your doctor may decide that you or a friend or relative can give the infusions. Your doctor will train the person who will be administering the medication and will test him to be sure he can give the infusion correctly. Be sure that you and the person who will be giving the infusions know the correct dose, how to give the medication, and how often to give the medication. Be sure that you and the person who will be giving the infusion read the manufacturer's information for the patient that comes with this medication before you use it for the first time at home.
Continue to use linezolid injection even if you feel well. Do not skip doses or stop using linezolid injection without talking to your doctor. Stopping linezolid injection too soon may cause bacteria to become resistant to antibiotics.
This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Avoid eating or drinking large amounts of foods and beverages containing tyraminewhile using linezolid injection. Foods and beverages that have been pickled, smoked, or fermented usually contain tyramine. These foods and beverages include alcoholic beverages, especially beer, Chianti, and other red wines; alcohol-free beer; cheeses (especially strong, aged, or processed varieties); sauerkraut; yogurt; raisins; bananas; sour cream; pickled herring; liver (especially chicken liver); dried meats and sausage (including hard salami and pepperoni); canned figs; avocados; soy sauce; turkey; yeast extracts; papaya products (including certain meat tenderizers); fava beans; and broad bean pods.
Infuse the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not infuse a double dose to make up for a missed one.
diarrhea
headache
nausea
vomiting
stomach pain
difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
dizziness
white patches in the mouth
change in color of the tongue
hives
rash
itching
difficulty breathing or swallowing
swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
hoarseness
blisters or peeling skin
fever
loss of coordination
overactive reflexes
confusion, forgetfulness, or difficulty thinking
severe diarrhea (watery or bloody stools) that may occur with or without fever and stomach cramps (may occur up to 2 months or more after your treatment)
unusual bleeding or bruising
cough, chills, sore throat, and other signs of infection
changes in color vision, blurred vision, or other changes in vision
seizures
Linezolid injection may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while using this medication.
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from light and excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Do not freeze linezolid injection. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain blood tests to check your body's response to linezolid injection. Be sure to tell the laboratory personnel that you are receiving linezolid injection.
Do not let anyone else use your medication. Your prescription is probably not refillable. If you still have symptoms of infection after you finish treatment with linezolid injection, call your doctor.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
Last Revised - 01/15/2012
AHFS® Consumer Medication Information. © Copyright, 2012. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc., 7272 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, Maryland. All Rights Reserved. Duplication for commercial use must be authorized by ASHP.