Linezolid

What is linezolid and why have I been prescribed it?

Linezolid is an antibiotic that works by stopping the growth of certain bacteria (bugs) that can cause complex infections. It has been recommended by your doctor.

Please tell your pharmacist or doctor if you:

• have ever had an allergic reaction to linezolid
• are taking medicines to treat depression
• are taking medicines to treat pain (including migraines)
• are taking medicines for treatment of attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD)
• have a history of seizures
• have been told you have a low red blood cell count

How do I take this medicine?

Take this medicine as directed by your doctor or pharmacist. Take the medicine at the same time each day (as close as possible) and make sure you complete the course.

Linezolid can be taken with or without food.

Linezolid oral suspension should be administered using a medicine spoon or oral syringe, you will be given this by your pharmacy. The pharmacy label will tell you how to correctly store it and if must be used within a certain amount of time.

Linezolid tablets should be taken with a full glass of water or juice. If you need to, the tablets can be crushed and dispersed in water.

What if I am sick after I have my medicine?

If you have been sick less than 30 minutes after having a dose of linezolid, have the same dose again.

If you are sick more than 30 minutes after having a dose of linezolid, you do not need to have another dose.

If you continue to be sick, please seek advice from your doctor.

What if I forget to take my medicine?

If you take your medicine 2 times a day, and your medicine is less than 4 hours late, take the medicine as soon as you remember. Then continue with the next dose at the normal time. If your medicine is more than 4 hours late, skip the dose and wait until the next normal dose.

If you take your medicine 3 times a day, and your medicine is less that 2 hours late, take the medicine as soon as you remember. Then continue with the next dose at the normal time. If your medicine is more than 2 hours late, skip the dose and wait until the next normal dose.

Are there any side effects?

If you are having a life-threatening (anaphylactic) reaction go to your nearest Emergency Department or call 999.

As with all medicines, you may experience some side effects.

Linezolid has common side effects that you might experience. Contact your doctor or nurse if you experience any of the following:

• metallic taste
• discolouration of the tongue
• diarrhoea, nausea (feeling sick), and vomiting (being sick)
• headaches
• rash
• changes in sight

In rare cases, serious side effects can occur.

Bleeding

If you experience any unexplained bleeding, any blood in your stool or bruising stop taking medicine and contact your doctor straight away.

Eyesight

If you experience any changes to your eyesight, such as blurred vision or colour changes stop taking medicine and contact your doctor straight away.

Peripheral neuropathy

If you experience any feeling of persistent pins and needles, tingling, burning or weakness in the body, when taking the medicine stop taking medicine and contact your doctor straight away.

Will I need any monitoring whilst I take this medicine?

If you are taking this medicine for more than 7 days, you will need to have a blood test once a week as this medicine can affect your red blood cell count.

If you are taking this medicine for more than 28 days, you will need to have your eyesight monitored as well as a weekly blood tests.

Do I need to change what I eat whilst I take this medicine?

Try to avoid foods that are naturally rich in a substance called tyramine, listed below. If you take linezolid alongside foods rich in tyramine this could increase your blood pressure.

• mature and aged cheese
• beer and wine
• liver or kidney
• pickled herring
• game
• cured or processed meats such as salami
• fermented foods such as sauerkraut
• sourdough bread
• protein diet supplements
• yeast extracts such as Marmite, Vegemite or Bovril
• fermented soya bean products, for example soy sauce

If you develop a throbbing headache after eating or drinking, tell your doctor immediately before you take the next dose of your medicine.

Who do I contact if I have any questions?

Speak to your doctor or pharmacist if you have more questions about your medicine.