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Overview: Linezolid is an antibiotic that is used to treat infections caused by certain bacteria. It works by stopping bacteria from making certain proteins they need to stay alive. Common side effects that can happen with linezolid include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and headaches. Serious side effects are less common, but may include a severe form of diarrhea that is hard to treat or muscle or nerve problems (can affect the nerves in your eyes). Tell your health care provider right away if you have watery or bloody diarrhea or diarrhea that does not seem to go away. Also tell your health care provider if you have vision changes, pain, burning, tingling, numbness, or weakness in your arms, hands, legs, or feet, or unexplained muscle pain, weakness, or tenderness. Linezolid is available as a tablet or liquid that you swallow or an injection given by a health care provider.

Uses

What is linezolid used for?

Linezolid is an antibiotic that is commonly used for the following infections caused by certain bacteria.

  • Pneumonia 
  • Skin infections 
  • Certain infections that are resistant to another antibiotic

Linezolid may not be the right medicine for some of the infections listed above, depending on which germs are causing the infection. Some bacteria may have developed resistance to linezolid, which will make it not work as well.

Linezolid may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does linezolid work (mechanism of action)?

Linezolid stops the growth of certain types of bacteria by stopping their ability to make proteins.

How is linezolid supplied (dosage forms)?

Brand and other names

  • Zyvox

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 600 mg oral tablets
  • 100 mg/5 mL oral suspension

Linezolid is also available in injectable forms.

How should I store linezolid?

Oral Tablet. Linezolid oral tablets should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F and 86 F (15 C and 30 C), for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place, in a tightly closed container protected from light.  

Oral Liquid. Linezolid oral liquid should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F and 86 F (15 C and 30 C), for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place, in a tightly closed container protected from light. Throw away any unused linezolid oral liquid after 21 days.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of linezolid?

The most common side effects of linezolid are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Headache
  • Anemia

There may be other side effects of linezolid that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of linezolid?

While less common, the most serious side effects of linezolid are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Linezolid can cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using linezolid and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching or skin rash
  • Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Decreased Blood Cells (Myelosuppression). Linezolid can cause your bone marrow to not produce enough blood cells, also called myelosuppression. Keep all appointments to have your blood checked.

Serotonin Syndrome. Linezolid increases serotonin levels in your body. When taken with certain other medications, a severe problem called serotonin syndrome can happen. Before starting linezolid, tell your health care provider about all medicines you take. Get emergency help if you have any of the following symptoms of serotonin syndrome.

  • Confusion or agitation
  • Headache
  • Fever or sweating
  • Abnormal heartbeat 
  • Muscle twitching, stiffness, or spasm
  • Shivering or shaking
  • Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea

Nerve Problems. Nerves are the fibers that carry sensations from your body to the brain. Damage to these nerves, called peripheral neuropathy, can happen in people who are taking linezolid. This damage can also occur in the nerves going to the eye, called optic neuropathy. Stop taking linezolid and call your health care provider if you develop vision changes or experience pain, burning, tingling, numbness, or weakness in your arms, hands, legs, or feet.

Muscle Problems. Linezolid can cause muscle problems, including muscle pain, weakness, and tenderness, called myopathy. In some people, the muscle may break down (rhabdomyolysis), which can be serious and rarely lead to kidney damage and death. Stop taking linezolid and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of myopathy or rhabdomyolysis.

  • Unexplained muscle pain, weakness, or tenderness
  • Low energy levels or feeling easily tired, especially with activity
  • Dark-colored urine (pee)
  • Fever
  • Muscle cramps
  • Stomach pain
  • Nausea or vomiting

Seizures. Some people who have taken linezolid have reported having seizures. There are many different types of seizures and some of them are not easy to recognize. Stop taking linezolid and call your health care provider if you experience any of the following signs that a seizure is happening or could happen.

  • Muscle twitching, jerking, spasms, tremors, or other uncontrolled movements
  • Stiffening of your arms and legs
  • Feeling anxious, nervous, confused, or a sense of dread
  • Feeling dizzy or lightheaded
  • Falling or losing consciousness

Antibiotic-associated Diarrhea. An overgrowth of germs called Clostridioides difficile, or “C. diff,” can happen in your gut with many types of antibiotics, including linezolid. This can cause a condition known as antibiotic-associated diarrhea and can happen even up to 2 months after stopping the antibiotic. Call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of this condition.

  • Watery diarrhea
  • Diarrhea that does not go away
  • Blood in your stool (poop)
  • Severe stomach cramps
  • Fever that starts after you start or finish the medicine

Low Sodium Level (Hyponatremia). Linezolid can cause a low sodium level, which can be serious and may lead to death. Your health care provider may check your sodium levels. Call your health care provider if you experience any of the following symptoms.

  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Confusion or memory problems
  • Weakness or tiredness
  • Breathing problems 
  • Muscle cramps
  • Seizures
  • Balance changes

High Lactic Acid (Lactic Acidosis). Linezolid may cause a build up of a substance in your blood called lactic acid. Call your health care provider if you experience any of the following symptoms.

  • Fast breathing
  • Fast or abnormal heartbeat
  • Vomiting
  • Feeling very tired
  • Muscle weakness or cramps

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use linezolid?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take linezolid.

  • Linezolid
  • Zyvox
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Drug Interactions. Linezolid should not be taken while you are using certain other medicines. Before taking linezolid, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section below for more details.

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific linezolid products they stock.

What should I know about linezolid before using it?

Do not take linezolid unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Take it as prescribed.

Do not share linezolid with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep linezolid out of the reach of children.

Do not shake the oral liquid. Turn the bottle upside down 3 to 5 times before measuring each dose. Use an accurate measuring device to measure your dose. A household spoon is not an accurate measuring device and may cause you to take the wrong dose. Ask your pharmacist what measuring device to use.

Linezolid may make it hard for you to get your partner pregnant. If you have concerns, talk to your health care provider.

What should I tell my health care provider before using linezolid?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if linezolid is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Other Current and Past Health Conditions. 

Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following. 

  • Diabetes
  • Thyroid problem
  • Blood pressure not controlled by medication
  • History of seizures or epilepsy
  • Kidney or liver problems
  • Low levels of white blood cells or platelets
  • Anemia
  • Phenylketonuria (oral liquid)
  • Carcinoid syndrome
  • Tumor in your adrenal gland (pheochromocytoma)

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how linezolid could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. Your health care provider will let you know if you should take linezolid while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant. 

Breastfeeding. Linezolid passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Monitor your baby for diarrhea and vomiting if you are breastfeeding while taking linezolid.

Interactions

Does linezolid interact with foods or drinks?

Avoid large amounts of foods or drinks that have a lot of tyramine while taking linezolid. Foods high in tyramine include aged cheeses, sauerkraut, and other pickled food or drinks, tap beer, soy sauce, red wine, and smoked meats.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect linezolid.

Does linezolid interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescriptions or over-the counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking linezolid.

  • A decongestant that you take by mouth, such as pseudoephedrine or phenylephrine, which is used to treat nasal congestion 
  • A selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) or a serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI), which are medicines commonly used for anxiety and depression
  • A monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) within the past 2 weeks, which is a medicine usually used for depression or Parkinson’s disease
  • A medicine for diabetes 
  • Bupropion or a tricyclic antidepressant, such as amitriptyline, nortriptyline, or protriptyline, even if it is not used for depression
  • A triptan, such as eletriptan (Relpax), sumatriptan (Imitrex and others), and others, which is a medicine commonly used to treat migraines
  • Buspirone, which is a medicine for anxiety 
  • An opioid, such as codeine, fentanyl, morphine, or oxycodone, which is a medicine used to treat certain types of pain

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with linezolid. Always check with your health care provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much linezolid?

If you or someone else has used too much linezolid, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of linezolid?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses. 

It is important to complete your entire course of linezolid, even if your symptoms get better or go away. This will reduce the risk that future infections are not resistant to linezolid or other similar medicines.