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Overview

Linezolid

Prescription vs OTC : Prescription by Doctor required

About Linezolid

Linezolid is used for the treatment of antibacterial infections by stopping the production of proteins that help the bacteria to develop. It belongs to a group of organic compounds known as oxazolidinone antibiotic.

This medicine used for the treatment of vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium (VRE) infections, nosocomial pneumonia caused by Staphylococcus aureus including MRSA or Streptococcus pneumoniae (penicillin-susceptible strains only), complicated and uncomplicated skin and skin structure infections, and community-acquired pneumonia caused by susceptible gram-positive organisms.

Aside for use in the curing of most gram-positive bacteria it is also useful for the treatment of pneumonia. It can be both had orally or can be injected into the body. Restrain from using this drug if you are:

  • Pregnant, or are planning to become pregnant.
  • Breastfeeding a baby.
  • Suffering from high blood pressure or bone marrow troubles.
  • Taking any prescription or non-prescription drugs, herbal medications or dietary supplements.
  • Involved in activities that need you to lift heavy objects or requires constant attention.
  • Allergic to any medicine, food or substance or any of the ingredients contained within Linezolid particularly.

The dosage for this medication varies from person to person. Your doctor may prescribe the dosage depending on your medical history, your age, gender and condition. However, the usual dose in adults for treating bacterial infections is about 600 mg both orally or IV. It needs to be taken every 12 hours over a period of 14- 28 days. The dose for children is about 10 mg every 8 hours over 14-28 days as well.

Take with or without food. Take with food if medicine causes stomach upset. Tell your healthcare provider if you have hypertension or are taking any cold remedy or decongestant. Limit quantities of tyramine-containing foods. Gently mix suspension. Store at room temperature.

Treatment of Linezolid overtoxicity includes supportive care; hemodialysis may improve elimination (30% of a dose is removed during a 3-hour hemodialysis session).

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.

    What are the uses of Linezolid

    • Pneumonia

      Linezolid helps in treating Pneumonia which is a most common type of lung infection caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae.

    • Skin And Structure Infection

      Linezolid treats skin and structure infections caused by Streptococcus pyogenes and Staphylococcus aureus, including MRSA strains.

    • Bacterial Septicemia

      Linezolid helps in treating septicemia which is an infection of the blood caused by Staphylococci and Streptococcus pyogenes.

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.

    What are the contraindications of Linezolid ?

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.

    What are the side effects of Linezolid ?

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.

    Key highlights of Linezolid

    • How long is the duration of effect?

      The effect of this medicine lasts for an average duration of 12 to 15 hours.

    • What is the onset of action?

      The effect of this medicine can be observed in 1 to 2 hours.

    • Are there any pregnancy warnings?

      This medicine is not recommended for use during pregnancy unless absolutely necessary.

    • Is it habit forming?

      No habit forming tendency have been reported.

    • Are there any breast-feeding warnings?

      This medicine is known to be excreted in breast milk.

    • Is It safe with alcohol?

      Consumption of alcohol is unsafe, if taken along with this medicine.

    • Is it safe to drive while on this medicine?

      This medicine may affect the consciousness of the patient. Thus driving must be avoided if you are taking this medicine.

    • Does this affect kidney function?

      No specific adjustment is recommended. The two primary metabolites may accumulate in patients with renal impairment but the clinical significance is unknown. Weigh the risk of accumulation of metabolites versus the benefit of therapy. Both linezolid and the two metabolites are eliminated by dialysis. Linezolid should be given after hemodialysis.

    • Does this affect liver function?

      No dosage adjustment required for mild to moderate hepatic insufficiency (Child-Pugh class A or B). Use in severe hepatic insufficiency has not been adequately evaluated.

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.

    What are the dosage instructions?

    • Missed Dose instructions

      The missed dose should be taken as soon possible. It is advisable to skip the missed dose if it's already time for your next scheduled dose.

    • Are there any overdose instructions?

      Seek emergency medical treatment or contact the doctor in case of overdose.

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.

    Where is the Linezolid approved?

    • India

    • United States

    • Japan

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.

    Medicines containing Linezolid

    Below is the list of medicines, which contains Linezolid as ingredient

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.

    How does this medication work?

    This medication, a synthetic antibiotic, belongs to a class of antimicrobials known as Oxazolidinones. It prevents the growth and replication of bacteria by impeding its ability to produce proteins.

      Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.

      What are the interactions of Linezolid ?

      Whenever you take more than one medicine, or mix it with certain foods or beverages, you"re at risk of a drug interaction.

        test
      • Interaction with Alcohol

        Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
      • Interaction with Medicine

        Glimepiride

        This medication may increase the effect of glimepiride which increases the risk of low blood glucose. Seek immediate medical treatment if you have any symptoms of dizziness, weakness, sweating. Close monitoring of blood glucose levels is necessary. Inform the doctor if you are receiving antidiabetics medications which contain glimepiride, glipizide.

        Ondansetron

        These medicines may increase the risk of serotonin syndrome which may cause confusion, tremor, fast heartbeat, and weakness. Inform the doctor if you are receiving ondansetron or any antidepressants. Close monitoring of blood pressure is necessary. An alternate class of medicine should be prescribed based on the clinical condition.

        Ethinyl Estradiol

        The desired effect of contraceptive pills will not be achieved if these medicines are taken together. Appropriate dose adjustments or replacement of the medicine should be made under the doctor's supervision.

        Cholera Vaccine

        Cholera vaccine should not be administered if the patient has taken it within 14 days before vaccination. Usage of other antibiotics and vaccines should be reported to the doctor.
      • Interaction with Disease

        Colitis

        Avoid if you experience severe diarrhea, abdominal pain, and blood in stools after taking it. Inform the doctor if you are suffering from any gastrointestinal diseases. Drink adequate amount of water to prevent dehydration.

      FAQs about Linezolid

      • Ques : What is Linezolid?

        Ans : This medication is used for the treatment of antibacterial infections by stopping the production of proteins that help the bacteria to develop.

      • Ques : How long do I need to use Linezolid before I see improvement in my condition?

        Ans : This medication is to be taken till the time you see an improvement in your health conditions.

      • Ques : At what frequency do I need to use Linezolid?

        Ans : This medication should be taken in the dosage as prescribed by the doctor.

      • Ques : Should I use Linezolid empty stomach, before food or after food?

        Ans : This medication should be taken after food in a prescribed dosage.

      • Ques : What are the instructions for the storage and disposal of Linezolid?

        Ans : This medication should be kept in a cool dry place and in its original packaging. Make sure this medication remains unreachable to children and pets.

      • Ques : Can the use of Linezolid cause diarrhea?

        Ans : Yes, the use of this drug can cause diarrhea. If you are experiencing severe diarrhea, it is advised to consult your doctor immediately.

      • Ques : What foods should I avoid while taking Linezolid?

        Ans : You should avoid taking large quantities of food that contain high tyramine in it. Consumption of tyramine while taking this drug can result in an elevation of blood pressure, which may worsen the situation.

      References

      • Linezolid-Drug Information Portal [Internet].druginfo.nlm.nih.gov 2022 [Cited 2 June 2022].Available from:

        https://druginfo.nlm.nih.gov/drugportal/name/linezolid

      • Linezolid-DrugBank Online [Internet].go.drugbank.com 2022 [Cited 2 June 2022].Available from:

        https://go.drugbank.com/drugs/DB00601

      • LINEZOLID Tablet,solution-DailyMed [Internet].dailymed.nlm.nih.gov 2022 [Cited 2 June 2022].Available from:

        https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/search.cfm?labeltype=all&query=LINEZOLID

      Disclaimer : The information produced here is best of our knowledge and experience and we have tried our best to make it as accurate and up-to-date as possible, but we would like to request that it should not be treated as a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment.

      Lybrate is a medium to provide our audience with the common information on medicines and does not guarantee its accuracy or exhaustiveness. Even if there is no mention of a warning for any drug or combination, it never means that we are claiming that the drug or combination is safe for consumption without any proper consultation with an expert.

      Lybrate does not take responsibility for any aspect of medicines or treatments. If you have any doubts about your medication, we strongly recommend you to see a doctor immediately.
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      Written ByDrx Hina FirdousPhD (Pharmacology) Pursuing, M.Pharma (Pharmacology), B.Pharma - Certificate in Nutrition and Child CarePharmacology
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      Reviewed ByDr. Garima SharmaMBBS, Master in Healthcare Administration, Diploma in Occupational HealthGeneral Physician
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