Before taking linezolid

Before taking linezolid make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
• If you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines.
• If you have liver or kidney problems.
• If you have high blood pressure.
• If you have an overactive thyroid.
• If you have ever had a seizure (fit).
• If you have phaeochromocytoma (a tumour of the adrenal gland) or carcinoid tumour (a tumour of the hormone system).
• If you have mental health problems such as schizophrenia, bipolar depression, or mental confusion.
• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.

How to take linezolid

• Before starting this treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside the pack.
• Your doctor will also give you some additional information. It is important that you read this.
• Take linezolid exactly as your doctor has told you.
• You can take linezolid before, during or after meals.
• Linezolid is usually taken twice a day. Space the doses evenly throughout the day and try not to miss any.
• If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. Take your next dose 12 hours after that and then every 12 hours as normal. Do not take two doses together to make up for a forgotten dose.
• If you have been given the oral liquid, turn the bottle upside down a few times before you pour out your dose. Do not shake the bottle.
• Linezolid may react with a substance called tyramine which is in some foods such as mature cheese, yeast extracts (e.g. Marmite®, Bovril®), and soya bean products (e.g. soy sauce). While you are taking linezolid, avoid eating any of these as they will cause an increase in your blood pressure. Also, avoid drinking alcohol, especially draught beers and wine.
• A course of treatment usually lasts 10 - 14 days, but you may be asked to take it for up to 28 days.
• Linezolid is not normally used in children under 18 years of age.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Keep your regular appointments with your doctor so your progress can be monitored. You may need to have some blood tests while you are taking this antibiotic.
• Even if your condition has improved, it is important to complete the prescribed course of linezolid unless your doctor tells you to stop. If you stop taking this medicine too soon, your infection is likely to return and could be more difficult to treat.
• Some people develop thrush (redness and itching in the mouth or vagina) after taking a course of antibiotics. If you think you have thrush, speak with your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
• If you are using oral combined hormonal contraception (the 'pill'), additional contraceptive precautions such as condoms are not required during a course of this antibiotic unless you are sick or have diarrhoea. If you need further advice, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.
• Before having any medical tests or surgery (including dental and emergency treatment) tell your doctor, dentist or surgeon that you are taking linezolid.
• Before buying any medicines, check with your pharmacist which medicines are safe for you to take alongside linezolid.
• This antibiotic may stop the oral typhoid vaccine from working. If you are having any vaccinations, make sure the person treating you knows that you are taking this medicine.

Can linezolid cause problems?

Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side-effects continue or become troublesome.

How to store linezolid

• Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
• Do not use linezolid after the expiry date shown on the label.

Important information about all medicines

References

• Manufacturer's PIL, Zyvox® 600 mg Tablets, Pharmacia Ltd, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated September 2009.
• Manufacturer's PIL, Zyvox® 100 mg/5ml Granules for Oral Suspension, Pharmacia Ltd, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated September 2009.
• British National Formulary; 61st Edition (March 2011) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London (link to current BNF)