Where is Linezolid used and how it works?
Linezolid is an oral FDA- approved prescription used for the treatment of infections including pneumonia. This medicine belongs to a new class of antibiotics called oxazolidinones. Linezolid inhibits the creation of proteins that bacteria need to increase and split. This inhibits the capacity of the bacteria to reproduce and grow. As a result, it stops the spread of bacterial infection. The rest of the bacteria are killed by the immune system or subsequently die.
How is Linezolid taken?
This medication is to be taken by mouth usually every 12 hours with a full glass of water. The dosage and how often you take the medicine is based on your medical condition and response to the treatment. For children, the dosage is based also on age and weight. They may be directed to take this medication every 8 hours.
The length of your treatment depends on the type of infection you have. Follow the instructions of your doctor carefully and ask the part you did not understand. You should not take more or less of it or take it more often than given by your doctor. Even if you feel better, take Linezolid until you finish the prescription. Do not stop taking the drug without talking to your doctor. If you stop taking this prescription in advance, your infection might not be fully treated and the bacteria could become resistant to antibiotics.
What are the side effects of Linezolid?
Common side effects:
- Dizziness
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Sleep problems
- Constipation
- Unusual or unpleasant taste in the mouth
- Vaginal itching
- Discolored tongue
- Yeast infection in the mouth
Severe side effects:
- Trouble seeing color
- Fungal infections
- Rapid heart rate
- Severe diarrhea or diarrhea that is watery or bloody
- Nerve problems
- Seizure
- Numbness
- Burning pain
- Low blood sugar
- Easy bruising or bleeding
- Shortness of breath
- Pale skin
What are the precautions in using Linezolid?
- Linezolid may cause dizziness which might affect your ability to operate machinery or drive safely. Do not operate machinery or drive until you know how this medicine affects you. Also, be sure that this medication won’t disturb your performance.
- This medicine may cause a decrease in the normal amount of blood cells in the blood. Decreased red blood cells can result in anemia, decreased white blood cells can increase susceptibility to infections and decreased numbers of cells can cause problems with blood clotting. Hence, to monitor the composition of your blood you will need to have a weekly blood test while taking this antibiotic.
- If you are allergic to any ingredient of Linezolid, you should take this drug. Inform your doctor if you have experienced such an allergy before.
- Various medicines should not be used during breastfeeding or pregnancy. Nevertheless, other drugs can be used safely in breastfeeding or pregnancy as long as the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.
- If you have any signs of overdose, call for medical help right away.
