What does it do?

Linezolid is used to treat bacterial infections.

How is it given?

Linezolid is given as an infusion into a vein.

Can you take other medicines?

Some medicines available without a prescription may react with linezolid including:

• some migraine medicines, such as sumatriptan (e.g. Sumagran Active®) or zolmitriptan (e.g. Zomig®)
• cold and flu medicines containing dextromethorphan (e.g. Robitussin Dry Cough Forte®) or phenylephrine (e.g. Sudafed PE®)

Tell your pharmacist or doctor about all medicines or treatments that you may be taking, including vitamins, herbal products (e.g. St John's wort) or recreational drugs.

What side effects might you notice?

Side Effects	Recommended action
Increased risk of infection - symptoms may include: fever, chills, sore throat, aches and pains, tiredness, pain when peeing, mouth ulcers Easy/unusual bruising or bleeding Seizures Changes in vision	Tell your doctor immediately
Numbness or tingling of the fingers or toes Severe or persistent diarrhoea, abdominal pain	Tell your doctor
Diarrhoea, stomach upset Headache Changes in taste	Tell your doctor if troublesome

If you notice any other effects, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.

Other information:

• Tell your doctor if you have kidney problems, have ever had a seizure, or if you have depression.
• Some people who take linezolid may be very sensitive to tyramine which is present in some foods and alcohol (e.g. cheese, meat or yeast extracts (e.g. Marmite®, Vegemite®, Oxo®), pickled fish, broad bean pods, sauerkraut, salami and protein drinks). People taking high doses of linezolid may need to avoid large amounts of these. Discuss with your health professional.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
• Very rarely, linezolid can cause a serious condition called lactic acidosis. Stop taking linezolid and tell your doctor immediately if you are feeling very unwell or unusually tired, or if your breathing becomes faster than normal.
• Linezolid can cause a serious condition called serotonin toxicity when used with some other medicines. Stop taking linezolid and tell your doctor immediately if you are feeling confused, have muscle twitching or shaking you can’t control, heavy sweating, or a fever.
• You will need regular blood tests while taking linezolid to monitor its effects on your blood.