Linezolid

Linezolid is used to treat infections, including pneumonia, urinary tract infections, and infections of the skin and blood. Linezolid is in a class of antibacterials called oxazolidinones. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria.

Linezolid comes as a tablet and oral suspension (liquid) to take by mouth. It is usually taken with or without food twice a day (every 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. Take linezolid exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Before using the oral suspension, gently mix it by turning over the bottle three to five times. Do not shake. Continue to take linezolid even if you feel well. Do not stop taking linezolid without talking to your doctor.

<p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>Linezolid may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

<ul>
<li>
diarrhea</li>
<li>
headache</li>
<li>
upset stomach</li>
<li>
vomiting</li>
<li>
difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep</li>
<li>
constipation</li>
<li>
rash</li>
<li>
dizziness</li>
<li>
fever</li></ul></p> <p></p> <p>Some side effects can be serious. The following symptoms are uncommon, but if you experience any of them, call your doctor immediately:

<ul>
<li>
severe diarrhea</li>
<li>
fever, sore throat, and other signs of infection</li>
<li>
unusual bleeding or bruising</li>
<li>
pale skin</li>
<li>
lack of energy</li></ul>Linezolid may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking 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 <a href='http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch'>http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch</a>] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].</p>

Before taking linezolid, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to linezolid or any other medications. tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking. Be sure to mention any of the following: antidepressants; cancer chemotherapy; cold remedies or decongestants containing pseudoephedrine or phenylpropanolamine; medications for migraine such as frovatriptan (Frova), naratriptan (Amerge), rizatriptan (Maxalt), sumatriptan (Imitrex), and zolmitriptan (Zomig); other antibiotics; and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as citalopram (Celexa), fluoxetine (Prozac, Sarafem), fluvoxamine (Luvox), paroxetine (Paxil), and sertraline (Zoloft). Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects. tell your doctor if you have or have ever had high blood pressure, carcinoids, a tumor of the adrenal gland (pheochromocytoma), an overactive thyroid, or phenylketonuria.

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.