Linezolid is a medication used to manage such bacterial infections as skin infections and pneumonia. This medication, which belongs to the class of drugs called oxazolidinones, is an antibiotic that stops bacterial growth. Linezolid is available as a tablet or can be given intravenously (through the vein).
Common Side Effects
According to MedlinePlus, linezolid can cause diarrhea, headache, dizziness and fever. Another cluster of side effects is vomiting, stomach problems, trouble sleeping, constipation and fever. Drugs.com says linezolid can cause itching, rash, vaginal itching or discharge, change in tongue color and yeast infection in the mouth. You should inform your doctor if you have these side effects.
Potentially Fatal Side Effects
The National Library of Medicine says linezolid can cause such life-threatening effects as myelosuppression and lactic acidosis. In myelosupression, red blood cell, white blood cell and platelet counts are lowered, making you prone to fatigue, infections and easy bleeding and bruising, respectively. In lactic acidosis, lactic acid levels in the blood are elevated. Symptoms include bradycardia (slow heartbeats), vomiting, nausea, muscle pain, heartbeat irregularities, trouble breathing, dizziness and fatigue. Call 911 if you experience these side effects.
Serious Side Effects
Chronic linezolid use should be avoided. Taking it over time may lead to peripheral neuropathy, a condition characterized by numbness and tingling of the arms or legs. Other possible serious side effects are optic neuropathy (characterized by blurry vision and problems seeing color) and convulsions. Patients should notify their doctor when they experience these effects or have bloody or watery diarrhea, weakness, fever, flu, body aches, chills or pain.
Miscellaneous Concerns
You should avoid combining linezolid with antidepressant medications, as this may lead to serotonin syndrome, says the National Library of Medicine. Symptoms of serotonin syndrome include lack of coordination, increased reflexes and hyperpyrexia (increased body temperature). People should not take linezolid if are allergic to it or if they have high blood pressure, thyroid problems, pheochromocytoma (tumor of the adrenal gland), liver or kidney problems or a weakened immune system.
Other Considerations
You should not eat tyramine-containing foods such as aged cheeses, smoked meat and sauerkraut while taking linezolid. These combinations can increase blood pressure to extremely high levels. According to drugs.com, patients taking medicines such as buspirone, meperidine, pseudoephedrine, carvidopa or imipramine should not use linezolid.
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