Uses
Linezolid Tablets are an antibiotic of the oxazolidinones group that work by stopping the growth of certain bacteria (germs) that cause infections. It is used to treat pneumonia and some infections in the skin or under the skin.Linezolid also belongs to a class of drugs known as MAO inhibitors. It can increase the levels of certain natural substances in the body (such as dopamine, norepinephrine, serotonin) which can increase the chance of certain side effects and food and drug interactions. See How to Use, Side Effects, and Drug Interactions sections for more details.
What is linezolid (Zyvox)? How does it work (mechanism of action)?
- Linezolid (Zyvox) is a synthetic antibiotic that is effective against bacteria such as Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus agalactiae, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus pyogenes, and others.
- It is effective against Staphylococcus aureus isolates that are resistant to other antibiotics.
- Linezolid prevents bacteria from growing by interfering with their ability to make proteins. Because proteins are made differently in people and bacteria, linezolid does not interfere with production of proteins in humans.
- The FDA approved linezolid in April, 2000.
What are the uses for linezolid tablets?
Linezolid is used for treating these infections:
- Nosocomial pneumonia caused by Staphylococcus aureus (methicillin-susceptible and -resistant isolates) or Streptococcus pneumoniae.
- Community-acquired pneumonia caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, or Staphylococcus aureus (methicillin-susceptible isolates only)
- Complicated and uncomplicated skin and skin structure infections such as diabetic foot infections.
- Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium infections.
What are the side effects of linezolid?
Common side effects of linezolid include:
- diarrhea,
- vomiting,
- headach
- nausea, and
- anemia,
What is the dosage for linezolid?
- The recommended adult dose for treating pneumonia or complicated skin and skin structure infections is 600 mg orally or by intravenous infusion every 12 hours for 10 to 14 days.
- Uncomplicated skin and skin structure infections are treated with 400 to 600 mg orally every 12 hours for 10 to 14 days.
- The dose for vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium infections is 600 mg orally or by intravenous infusion every 12 hours for 14 to 28 days.
Which drugs or supplements interact with linezolid?
- Linezoild is a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI). This means that linezolid blocks the breakdown of compounds that are normally broken down my monoamine oxidase enzymes. This increases the levels of these compounds in the body and can increase the risk of side effects. Linezolid should not be used by patients taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI) or within two weeks of taking an MAOI.
- Linezolid should not be combined with antidepressants such as paroxetine (Paxil), fluoxetine (Prozac), amitriptyline, nortriptyline, bupropion (Wellbutrin, Zyban) pain medications like methadone, tramadol (Ultram), and meperidine (Demerol); dextromethorphan, St. Johns Wort, cyclobenzaprine, and mirtazapine (Remeron). Such combinations lead to high serotonin levels, which may cause confusion, high blood pressure, tremor, hyperactivity, coma, and death.
- Linezolid should not be combined with pseudoephedrine, phenylephrine, ephedrine, and phenylpropanolamine. The combination of linezolid and these drugs can cause an acute hypertensive episode.
- Monoamine oxidase also breaks down tyramine, a chemical present in aged cheese, wines, and other aged foods. Since linezolid inhibits monoamine oxidase, it decreases the breakdown of tyramine from ingested food, thus increasing the level of tyramine in the body. Excessive tyramine can elevate blood pressure and cause a hypertensive crisis. Patients treated with MAOIs and lInezolid should adhere to recommended dietary modifications that reduce the intake of tyramine.