Linezolid tablet instructions, usage and dosage, side effects

Linezolid is a prescription drug used as an antibiotic to treat certain serious bacterial infections. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria. Linezolid only treats bacterial infections. It does not work on viral infections (such as the common cold, flu). Using any antibiotic when it is not needed may result in it not being effective against future infections.

Linezolid also belongs to a class of drugs called monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors. It can increase levels of certain natural substances in the body (such asdopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin), thereby increasing the chance of certain side effects and food and drug interactions.

Dosage: The dosage of this medication will vary for different patients. Follow your doctor's instructions or the directions on the label. The following information includes only average doses of this drug. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Additionally, the daily dose you take, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medication depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medication.

For oral dosage form (suspension or tablet):

For bacterial infections: Adults and Children 12 years and older — 400 or 600 milligrams (mg) every 12 hours. Children under 12 years of age - Dosage is based on weight and must be determined by your doctor. The dosage is usually 10 milligrams (mg) per kilogram (kg) of body weight every 8 or 12 hours, at the doctor's discretion.

SIDE EFFECTS: Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction (hives, trouble breathing, swelling of the face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning eyes, skin pain, red or purple rash with blisters and swelling).

Linezolid may cause serious side effects. Contact your doctor right away if you have: vision problems, changes in color vision; severe stomach pain, watery or bloody diarrhea; seizures; sweating, feeling anxious, or shaking (which may be signs of low blood sugar); lactic acidosis - unusual muscle pain, trouble breathing, stomach pain, vomiting, heart attack Irregular heart rate, dizziness, feeling cold, or feeling very weak or tired; or low blood cell count - Fever, chills, tiredness, weakness, confusion, mouth sores, skin sores, easy bruising, unusual bleeding, pale skin, cold hands and feet, feeling dizzy or short of breath.

Get immediate medical attention if you develop symptoms of serotonin syndrome, such as: irritability, hallucinations, fever, sweating, tremors, rapid heart rate, muscle stiffness, twitching, loss of coordination, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.

Common side effects of linezolid may include: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea; rash; anemia (low red blood cells); or headache or dizziness. This is not a complete list of side effects, and other side effects may occur, and patients who experience any physical discomfort while taking linezolid should seek immediate medical attention.

Storage: All forms of linezolid should be stored at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Do not freeze. Throw awayany liquid not used within 21 days.