Linezolid is an antibiotic drug to treat bacterial infections in the body. Some of the diseases caused by bacterial infections that can be treated with this drug are pneumonia and severe skin infections.
Linezolid belongs to the axazolidinones class of antibiotics that work by interfering with bacterial growth by inhibiting the formation of proteins present in bacteria.
In addition to having an antibacterial effect, this drug also has activity to inhibit monoamine oxidase (monoamine oxidase inhibitor/MAOI). Keep in mind that this drug should not be used carelessly and must be in accordance with a doctor's prescription.
Linezolid trademark: Kabizolid, Linetero, Zyvox
What is Linezolid
| group | Prescription drugs |
| Category | Antibiotics |
| Benefit | Overcoming bacterial infections in the body |
| Used by | Adults and children |
| Linezolid for pregnant and lactating women | Category C: Animal studies have shown adverse effects on the fetus, but there are no controlled studies in pregnant women. Drugs should only be used if the expected benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus. It is not known whether linezolid is absorbed into breast milk or not. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medicine without consulting your doctor first. |
| Shape | Tablets, syrups and injections |
Precautions Before Using Linezolid
There are several things you should pay attention to before using linezolid, including:
- Tell your doctor if you have a history of allergies to antibiotics. Linezolid should not be used in patients who are allergic to this drug.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking certain medications, especially MAOI drugs in the last 14 days.
- Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had liver disease, bone marrow disorders, hyperthyroidism, heart disease, pheochromocytoma, diabetes, or hypertension.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy.
- Do not drive or do activities that require alertness while you are taking linezolid, as this medicine can cause dizziness.
- Tell your doctor if you plan to get vaccinated with a live vaccine, such as BCG, while taking linezolid
- See your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction or overdose after using linezolid.
Dosage and Instructions for Use of Linezolid
The dose of linezolid given by the doctor depends on the patient's condition and the dosage form of the drug. Here is the explanation:
Condition: Pneumonia and severe skin infections
Shape: Tablets, syrups, and injections through a vein (intravenous/IV)
- Mature: 600 mg, once every 12 hours, for 10–14 days
- Children aged 7 days until 11 years old: 10 mg/kg, once every 8 hours, for 10–14 days
- Children 12 years and over: 600 mg, once every 12 hours, for 10–14 days
Condition: Uncomplicated skin infection
Shape: Tablets and syrup
- Mature: 400–600 mg, once every 12 hours, for 10–14 days
- Children age 5–11 years old: 10 mg/kg body weight, once every 12 hours, for 10–14 days
- Children 12 years and over: 600 mg, once every 12 hours, for 10–14 days
Condition: Infection Staphylococcus aureus resistant to methicillin
Shape: Tablets, syrups and IV injections
- Mature: 600 mg, 2 times daily, for 7–21 days
Condition: Infection Enterococcus faecium resistant to vancomycin
Shape: tablets, syrups and IV injections
- Mature: 600 mg, once every 12 hours, for 14–28 days
- Children aged 7 days until 11 years old: 10 mg/kg body weight, once every 8 hours, for 14–28 days
- Children 12 years and over: 600 mg, once every 12 hours, for 14–28 days
How to Use Linezolid Correctly
Follow the doctor's recommendations and read the instructions for use on the packaging before using linezolid. Injectable linezolid will be given directly by a doctor or medical officer under the supervision of a doctor.
Linezolid tablets can be taken before or after meals. This medicine should be taken in the morning and before going to bed. If you are prescribed linezolid in syrup form, avoid shaking the medication vigorously before taking it.
If you forget to take linezolid, it is advisable to do it immediately if the break with the next consumption schedule is not too close. If the schedule is near, ignore it and do not double the dose.
Store linezolid in a dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep out of reach of children.
Linezolid Interactions with Other Drugs
The following are a number of interactions that can occur when linezolid is used in combination with other medicines:
- Decreased serum levels of linezolid when used with rifampicin and phenytoin
- Increased risk of developing hypoglycemia when used with insulin or antidiabetic drugs
- Increased risk of seizures when used with tramadol
- Increased risk of developing dangerously high blood pressure when used with vasopressin, pseudoephedrine, or dopamine
- Increased risk of serotonin syndrome if used with MAOI, SSRI, or SNRI antidepressant drugs
Side Effects and Dangers of Linezolid
There are several side effects that can occur after using linezolid, including:
- Headache
- Diarrhea
- Fever
- Heart beat
- Nausea and vomiting
- Stomach ache
Check with your doctor if the side effects above don't go away or get worse. See your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction to a drug or experience more serious side effects, such as:
- Muscle cramp
- Vomiting that doesn't stop
- Unusual fatigue
- Easy bruising
- Blurred vision
- Excessive sweating
- Mental disorders, such as mood changes
- Seizures
