Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Linezolid.
Antibiotic-associated diarrhea: Linezolid, like other antibiotics, may cause a potentially dangerous condition called antibiotic-associated, or pseudomembranous, colitis. Symptoms include severe, watery diarrhea that may be bloody. If you notice these symptoms, stop taking linezolid and contact your doctor as soon as possible.
Bacterial resistance: Misuse of an antibiotic such as linezolid may lead to the growth of resistant bacteria that will not be killed by the antibiotic. If this happens, the antibiotic may not work for you in the future. Although you may begin to feel better early in your course of treatment with linezolid, you need to take the full course exactly as directed to finish ridding your body of the infection and to prevent resistant bacteria from taking hold. Do not take linezolid or other antibiotics to treat a viral infection such as The Common Cold; antibiotics do not kill viruses, and using them to treat viral infections can lead to the growth of resistant bacteria.
Diabetes: Linezolid may cause a loss of blood glucose control and glucose tolerance may change. People with diabetes may find it necessary to monitor their blood sugar more frequently while using Linezolid. Symptoms of low blood sugar include lightheadedness, weakness, cool, pale skin, or rapid heart rate.
If you have diabetes, discuss with your doctor how Linezolid may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Linezolid, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Foods with high tyramine content: When using Linezolid, avoid large quantities of foods or beverages with high tyramine content (e.g., draft beers, red wines, soy sauce, aged cheeses). The combination of linezolid and large amounts of tyramine may result in episodes of dangerously high blood pressure, which can be life-threatening.
Lactic acidosis: Rarely, linezolid may cause a serious condition called lactic acidosis (build-up of lactic acid in the blood). If you experience recurrent nausea or vomiting while taking Linezolid, get immediate medical attention.
Low blood cell counts: Linezolid may cause low blood cell counts. If you experience unusual weakness or tiredness, unusual bleeding or bruising, shortness of breath, or fever while taking linezolid contact your doctor immediately. Your doctor will monitor your blood cell counts while you are taking Linezolid.
Nerve problems: Linezolid may cause a nerve problem called peripheral Neuropathy, especially when used for longer than recommended. If you experience numbness, tingling or prickling sensations, or burning pain while taking Linezolid, contact your doctor.
Other medical conditions: Linezolid may cause symptoms of other illnesses to become worse. If you have uncontrolled high blood pressure, pheochromocytoma, carcinoid syndrome, or untreated overactive thyroid, discuss with your doctor how Linezolid may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Linezolid, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Overgrowth of organisms: Treatment with antibiotics such as linezolid may allow normal fungus or types of bacteria not killed by the antibiotic to overgrow and cause unwanted infections such as yeast infections. Contact your doctor if you experience fever or chills while taking Linezolid.
Seizures: Linezolid may cause seizures, especially for people with a history of seizures or who are at risk for seizures. Get immediate medical attention if you experience a seizure while taking Linezolid.
Serotonin syndrome: Severe reactions are possible when linezolid is combined with other medications that act on serotonin, such as tricyclic antidepressants and serotonin reuptake inhibitors, medications used to treat Depression. These combinations must be avoided. Symptoms of a reaction may include muscle rigidity and spasms, difficulty moving, changes in mental state including delirium and agitation. Coma and death are possible.
If you are taking antidepressants, discuss with your doctor how Linezolid may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Linezolid, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Vision problems: Linezolid may cause vision problems, especially when used for longer than recommended. If you experience vision changes (e.g., blurred vision, changes in colour vision, trouble seeing clearly) while taking Linezolid, contact your doctor immediately.
Pregnancy: Linezolid should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Linezolid, contact your doctor immediately.
Breast-feeding: It is not known if linezolid passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Linezolid, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.
Children: The safety and effectiveness of using Linezolid have not been established for children and adolescents less than 18 years old.
