linezolid at a glance
Medicine class
Oxazolidinone antibiotic
Main licensed uses
Certain Gram-positive pneumonias and complicated skin or soft-tissue infections
Available forms
Film-coated tablets, oral suspension and intravenous infusion
What is linezolid used for?
The selected products are licensed in adults for infections caused by susceptible Gram-positive bacteria. They do not provide reliable treatment for Gram-negative infection, so separate Gram-negative cover is required when such organisms are suspected or confirmed.
Hospital-acquired pneumonia
Community-acquired pneumonia
Complicated skin and soft-tissue infection, where microbiological testing confirms susceptible Gram-positive bacteria
How does linezolid work?
Linezolid binds to the bacterial 50S ribosomal subunit and prevents formation of the initiation complex needed to make proteins. This stops susceptible bacteria from growing. It also acts as a reversible, non-selective monoamine oxidase inhibitor, which explains important food and medicine interactions.
linezolid preparations and strengths
Solution for infusion
Route: Intravenous
Strengths: 2 mg/mL
Oral suspension
Route: Oral
Strengths: 100 mg/5 mL
Tablet
Route: Oral
Strengths: 600 mg
How to take linezolid
Follow the pharmacy label and specialist team's instructions. Oral linezolid may be taken with or without food; the infusion is given by a healthcare professional.
Swallow film-coated tablets as directed.
Before measuring prepared oral suspension, gently invert the bottle several times; do not shake it.
Do not change or stop treatment without discussing it with the treating team.
Avoid excessive amounts of high-tyramine foods and drinks, such as mature cheese, yeast extracts, fermented soya products and some undistilled alcoholic drinks.
linezolid side effects
Common or expected effects
- Diarrhoea
- Nausea or vomiting
- Headache
- Metallic or altered taste
- Dizziness
- Abdominal discomfort or indigestion
- Thrush or another fungal infection
- Rash or itching
- Difficulty sleeping
Get urgent medical advice
- Blood-cell suppression, which may cause unusual bruising, bleeding, pallor or infections
- Severe or persistent diarrhoea, including antibiotic-associated colitis
- Serotonin syndrome
- Optic or peripheral neuropathy, causing visual changes, numbness or tingling
- Lactic acidosis, sometimes presenting with recurrent vomiting, abdominal pain or rapid breathing
- Severe allergic or blistering skin reactions
- Seizures
linezolid in pregnancy
Human pregnancy information is limited. Product information advises using linezolid only when clearly necessary and when the expected benefit outweighs the potential risk. Pregnancy, suspected pregnancy or plans to conceive should be discussed promptly with the infection specialist or prescriber.
linezolid while breastfeeding
Linezolid enters breast milk. Product information advises stopping breastfeeding before and during treatment, so a feeding plan or alternative treatment should be discussed with the specialist team.
linezolid interactions
Linezolid has important serotonergic and blood-pressure interactions. Check prescribed, over-the-counter and herbal products before treatment and before adding anything new.
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors, such as phenelzine, isocarboxazid, moclobemide or selegiline
Concomitant or recent use is contraindicated because monoamine oxidase effects may be dangerously increased.
Serotonergic antidepressants, including SSRIs, SNRIs and tricyclic antidepressants
The combination can cause serotonin syndrome and requires avoidance or closely supervised specialist management.
Serotonergic opioids and related medicines, including pethidine, buspirone and dextromethorphan
Serotonin syndrome may occur; cough medicines can contain dextromethorphan, so check before use.
Common questions about linezolid
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Can linezolid be taken with food?
Yes. The tablets and oral suspension may be taken with or without food.
Which foods should I avoid while taking linezolid?
Avoid excessive amounts of tyramine-rich foods and drinks, including mature cheese, yeast extracts, fermented soya products and some undistilled alcoholic drinks, because blood pressure may rise.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.