Dosage and Administration
Linezolid 600 mg is one tablet twice daily.
Precautions
Allergy: Avoid using Linezolid if allergic to Linezolid or any of its ingredients.
Serotonin Syndrome: Linezolid can interact with medications that increase serotonin levels (e.g., SSRIs, SNRIs), leading to serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition. Careful monitoring is required if used with such medications.
Bone Marrow Suppression: Prolonged use (more than 2 weeks) can cause bone marrow suppression, leading to low blood cell counts (e.g., anemia, thrombocytopenia, leucopenia). Regular blood tests may be required during long-term therapy.
Liver Impairment: Use with caution in patients with liver disease. Dosage adjustments may be required in patients with severe hepatic impairment.
Diabetes: Linezolid may cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) in diabetic patients, particularly when used in combination with certain other medications.
Pregnancy and Lactation: Linezolid should only be used during pregnancy if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk. It is excreted in breast milk, so consult a healthcare provider before using it while breastfeeding.
Benefits
Effective Against Resistant Infections: Linezolid is one of the few antibiotics that is effective against multi-drug resistant gram-positive bacteria, including MRSA and VRE.
Oral and IV Forms: Available in both oral and intravenous forms, making it versatile for treating infections in hospital and outpatient settings.
Well-Tolerated: Generally well-tolerated when used for a short duration.