Linezolid

1 medicine

Linezolid is an antibiotic for serious resistant bacterial infections. Because it is a reversible MAO inhibitor, combining it with SSRI or SNRI antidepressants can cause life-threatening serotonin syndrome.

Zyvox

Linezolid

600mg

Zyvox is a antibiotics medication containing Linezolid, available as 600mg tablets.

from $7.00 / tablet View

Key facts

  • Linezolid is an oxazolidinone antibiotic (sold as Zyvox) reserved for serious infections caused by resistant bacteria such as MRSA and vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus, when other antibiotics will not work.
  • It is taken by mouth or given by injection, usually for 10 to 28 days depending on the infection; finish the full course your doctor prescribes.
  • Linezolid is a weak, reversible MAO inhibitor. Combined with an SSRI, SNRI or other serotonergic medicine, it can trigger serotonin syndrome, a potentially fatal reaction, so these combinations are normally avoided.
  • Seek urgent care for agitation, confusion, a racing heart, muscle twitching or high fever, which can signal serotonin syndrome.

What Linezolid treats

Linezolid treats serious skin and soft-tissue infections, certain types of pneumonia, and infections caused by MRSA or vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus that have not responded to other antibiotics. It is not used for minor infections and, like all antibiotics, has no effect on viral illness.

How Linezolid works

Bacteria need to build proteins to survive and multiply. Linezolid attaches to part of the bacterial ribosome, the structure that assembles proteins, and blocks this process at an early stage. Without new proteins, susceptible bacteria stop growing, letting your immune system clear the infection.

Before you take it

  • Tell your prescriber about any antidepressant, migraine medicine, or other drug that raises serotonin, since combining these with linezolid is usually avoided or requires close monitoring.
  • Mention any history of low blood counts, high blood pressure, or an overactive thyroid before starting.
  • If treatment continues beyond 2 weeks, your doctor should check your blood counts regularly, since linezolid can lower platelets and other blood cells the longer it is used.
  • Longer courses also call for caution with tyramine-rich foods, such as aged cheese, cured meats, and fermented or soy products, because linezolid's MAO-inhibiting effect can interact with tyramine and raise blood pressure.

Side effects

Common effects include nausea, diarrhea, headache, dizziness, and a metallic taste.

Seek urgent care for:

  • Agitation, confusion, sweating, a fast heartbeat or muscle twitching, which can signal serotonin syndrome.
  • Unusual bruising or bleeding.
  • Vision changes.
  • Persistent fever, or signs of a new infection.
  • Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet with longer courses.

Safety essentials

  • Never combine linezolid with an SSRI, SNRI, or other MAO inhibitor without your prescriber's explicit approval; the serotonin syndrome risk is the drug's defining danger and can be fatal.
  • For courses longer than 2 weeks, expect regular blood counts to check for thrombocytopenia, and limit tyramine-rich foods and drinks.
  • Complete the full course your doctor prescribes, even if you feel better sooner.

This page is educational and does not replace advice from a doctor or pharmacist who knows your health history.