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Linezolid


  • If you have a skin reaction or experience any new eyesight problems while taking linezolid, contact your doctor as soon as possible.
  • While you are taking linezolid avoid eating mature cheese, yeast extracts (e.g. Marmite, Bovril), game, pickled herring or soya bean extracts (e.g. soy sauce). Also, avoid drinking alcohol, especially draught beers and wine.

About linezolid

Type of medicine Antibiotic
Used for Treatment of pneumonia and infections in the skin or under the skin
Also called Zyvox
Available as Tablets
Oral suspension
Injection

Linezolid works by stopping the growth of certain types of bacteria.

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 have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.
  • If you have ever had to take medication to treat depression.
  • If you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines.
  • If you suffer from liver, kidney or thyroid problems.
  • If you have high blood pressure.
  • If you have ever had a seizure (fit).
  • If you suffer from any of the following conditions: phaeochromocytoma, carcinoid syndrome, schizophrenia, mental confusion or other mental health problems, anaemia or any other blood problems.
  • Linezolid is not normally used in children and adolescents (under 18 years old).

How to take linezolid

  • Take your medication exactly as directed by your doctor.
  • Always read the manufacturer's information leaflet, if possible, before beginning treatment.
  • Linezolid is usually taken twice a day in doses twelve hours apart.
  • Try not to miss any doses. If you do miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. Take your next dose 12 hours after that and repeat every 12 hours as normal. Never take two doses at the same time to compensate.
  • Take linezolid with food either before, during or after a meal.
  • Linezolid may react with a substance called tyramine that is in some foods to cause an increase in blood pressure. While you are taking linezolid avoid eating mature cheese, yeast extracts (e.g. Marmite, Bovril), game, pickled herring or soya bean extracts (e.g. soy sauce). Also, avoid drinking alcohol, especially draught beers and wine.
  • If you get a persistent throbbing headache after eating or drinking, tell your doctor straight away.
  • A course of treatment usually lasts 10 - 14 days, but may be up to 28 days.
  • You may need to have some blood tests during treatment with linezolid.

Getting the most from your treatment

  • Before taking any 'over-the-counter' medicines, check with your pharmacist which medicines are safe for you to take alongside linezolid.
  • Even if your condition has improved it is important to complete the prescribed course of linezolid. If you stop taking this medicine too soon your infection is likely to return and could be more difficult to treat.
  • Before having any kind of surgery, including dental and emergency treatment, tell your doctor, dentist or surgeon you are taking linezolid.
  • If you have any medical tests, tell the person carrying out the test that you are being treated with linezolid.
  • Some people develop thrush after taking a course of antibiotics. If you think you have thrush speak to your doctor or pharmacist.
  • Oral contraceptives may be less effective while you are taking linezolid. In addition to taking the contraceptive pill, use a barrier method of contraception (e.g. condoms) while you are taking linezolid and for at least seven days after your course of linezolid has finished. If these seven days run into a 'pill-free' week, start taking the next packet of contraceptives without leaving a break. If you are taking the type of contraceptive pill that is taken every day or if you need any further advice, speak to your doctor or pharmacist.

Can linezolid cause problems?

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicine What can I do if I experience this
Headache Ask your pharmacist to recommend a suitable pain-killer. If headache continues or follows food speak with your doctor straight away
Diarrhoea Drink plenty of water to replace lost fluids. if diarrhoea becomes severe or persistent or contains blood or mucus, consult your doctor immediately
Nausea Eat little and often. Stick to simple foods such as dry toast
Vomiting Drink plenty of liquid. Stick to simple foods such as dry toast
Metallic taste in the mouth This may improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine

If you have a skin reaction such as red, sore or flaking skin, itching or swelling around the face and neck, stop taking linezolid and contact your doctor as soon as possible.
If you experience any new eyesight problems while taking linezolid, contact your doctor as soon as possible.
If you experience any other worrying symptoms, which you think may be due to this medicine, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store linezolid

  • Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines


  • Keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children.
  • Make sure that the person prescribing this medicine knows about any other medicines that you are taking. This includes medicines you buy and herbal and homeopathic medicines.
  • If you buy any medicines check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
  • Before taking this medicine tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction after taking any medicine.
  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.
  • If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
  • Always read the printed information leaflet that comes with your medicine.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

References

  • British National Formulary; 54th Edition (September 2007) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London (link to current BNF).
  • Manufacturer's PIL, Zyvox® 600 mg Tablets, Pharmacia Ltd, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated June 2006, accessed 21/11/2007
© EMIS 2008 DocID:
3720
DocRef:
dils3708
Last Updated:
17 Jan 2008
Date of Next Review:
16 Jan 2010
Version:
22




















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PS - Health and Poverty

Perhaps the biggest cause of ill health in the world is poverty. Help to Make Poverty History. For example, why not lend some of your money to disadvantaged communities to enable them to trade their way out of poverty through schemes such as Shared Interest.

See also MAKEPOVERTYHISTORY North East for details and links to campaigns against poverty.

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