How does it work?

Linezolid belongs to a new class of antibiotics called the oxazolidinones. It works by interfering with the production of proteins that bacteria need to multiply and divide. This inhibits the ability of the bacteria to grow and replicate and therefore stops the spread of bacterial infection. Eventually the bacteria die. Linezolid can only be used to treat infections with a specific sub-group of bacteria called Gram positive bacteria. Linezolid has a different mechanism of action to all the other classes of antibiotics. This means it can be used to treat Gram positive bacterial infections that are resistant to other antibiotics. An example of this is infection with the "superbug" MRSA (multi-resistant staphylococcus aureus). Such bacterial infections have become more common, particularly in hospitals, due to increasing resistance of the bacteria to antibiotic treatment. As linezolid works in a different way to other antibiotics, it may provide doctors with a new line of attack for these types of infections.

What is it used for?

Complicated skin and soft tissue infections

Pneumonia

Warning!

You should avoid the consumption of large amounts of tyramine-rich foods while you are taking this medicine, as this combination can cause a dangerous increase in blood pressure. Tyramine-rich foods include matured cheeses, yeast extracts (eg Oxo, Bovril, Marmite) and fermented soya bean products.

This medicine may cause dizziness and so may affect your ability to drive or operate machinery safely. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine affects you and you are sure it won't affect your performance.

This medicine is not recommended for children and adolescents under 18 years of age, as there is no information regarding its safety and efficacy in this age group.

While taking this medicine the following groups of people should have the composition of their blood closely monitored: People with anaemia, low white blood cell or platelet counts, impaired kidney function, those who receive more than 10-14 days of treatment with this medicine, and those taking medicines that can reduce blood counts, levels of platelets or haemoglobin.

Consult your doctor if you develop diarrhoea during or following treatment with this medicine.

People receiving this medicine should have weekly blood tests to monitor the composition of their blood.

Use with caution in

Acute states of confusion

Bipolar affective disorder (manic depression)

Decreased kidney function

Mental disorder with symptoms of schizophrenia and mood disorder

People receiving kidney dialysis

Severely decreased liver function

Thyrotoxicosis

Tumour in the intestine that may produce prostaglandins and serotonin (carcinoid tumour)

Tumour of the adrenal gland (phaeochromocytoma)

Uncontrolled high blood pressure

Not to be used in

Breastfeeding

People who have taken monoamine-oxidase inhibitor antidepressants (MAOIs) in the last 14 days

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

The safety of this medicine for use during pregnancy has not been established. It is not recommended for use in pregnancy unless considered essential by your doctor. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

This medicine may pass into breast milk, therefore mothers taking this medicine must not breastfeed. Discuss with your doctor.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Headache

Rash

Blurred vision

Difficulty in sleeping (insomnia)

Blood disorders

Disturbances of the gut such as diarrhoea, constipation, nausea, vomiting or abdominal pain

Metallic taste

Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis)

Alteration in results of liver function tests

Pins and needles (paraesthesia)

Dizziness

Kidney failure

High blood pressure (hypertension)

Sudden loss of brain function with full recovery within 24 hours (transient ischaemic attack)

Yeast infection of the moist areas of the body, especially the vagina and mouth (candidiasis)

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

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