About linezolid
Oxazolidinone antibiotic
Used for
- Certain serious infections caused by susceptible Gram-positive bacteria
- Pneumonia, including hospital-acquired pneumonia
- Complicated skin and soft-tissue infections
- Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus infections
Usual adult dose
Usually 600 mg by mouth every 12 hours; duration depends on infection, commonly 10–28 days.
Usual dose in children
For children under 12 years, usually 10 mg/kg by mouth every 8 hours; age 12 and older generally receive the adult dose. Treatment varies by infection.
Common side effects
- Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, or headache
- Low blood cell counts, especially with prolonged treatment
- Nerve or vision problems with prolonged treatment
- Yeast infections
Important warnings
- Use only for susceptible bacterial infections; it does not treat viruses.
- Blood counts may need monitoring, especially during longer treatment.
- Seek urgent care for unusual bruising, severe diarrhea, vision changes, or numbness.
- Prolonged use can cause serious nerve damage or lactic acidosis.
Pregnancy
Human pregnancy data are limited; use when expected benefits outweigh potential risks.
Breastfeeding
It is unknown whether linezolid enters human milk; discuss risks with a clinician.
Interactions
- Avoid or carefully manage serotonergic medicines, including some antidepressants and opioids.
- Can interact with monoamine oxidase inhibitors.
- Large amounts of tyramine-rich foods may raise blood pressure.
- May increase low blood sugar risk with insulin or diabetes medicines.
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.