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| Pronunciation |
|
 (li
NE zoh
lid) |
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| Brand Names |
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| Zyvox™ |
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| Therapeutic
Categories |
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Antibiotic, Oxazolidinone |
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| What key warnings should I know
about before taking this
medicine? |
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|
- Linezolid may have an effect on the bone marrow. It may cause
anemia, low white blood cell counts, low platelet counts or may decrease
production of all cells made in the bone marrow. Complete blood counts should be
done weekly while on this
medicine.
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| Reasons not to take this
medicine |
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- If you have an allergy to linezolid or any other part of the
medicine.
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| What is this medicine used
for? |
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- This medicine is used to treat a variety of infections including skin
infections, pneumonias, and blood
infections.
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| How does it work? |
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- Linezolid inhibits the bacteria from multiplying and in some cases
will kill the bacteria. Your body's own defenses may get the infection under
control.
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| How is it best taken? |
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- To gain the most benefit, do not miss doses.
- Take with or without food. Take with food if this medicine causes an
upset stomach.
- A liquid (suspension) is available for patients who cannot swallow
pills. Those who have feeding tubes can also use the liquid. Flush feeding tube
before and after medicine is given. Do not shake but mix well before
taking.
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| What do I do if I miss a
dose? |
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- Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
- If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Return to
your regular schedule.
- Do not take a double dose or extra
doses.
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| What are the precautions when
taking this
medicine? |
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- Use caution if you have high blood pressure. Talk with healthcare
provider.
- Do not use over-the-counter products that may affect blood pressure.
- This includes cough/cold remedies, diet pills, stimulants, ibuprofen
or like products, and certain herbs or supplements. Talk with healthcare
provider. Stay away from tyramine-containing foods including aged foods and many
types of alcohol. Talk with nutritionist.
- Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make
sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling
about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of
face, lips, tongue, throat; or any other symptoms involved.
- Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting
pregnant.
- Tell healthcare provider if you are
breast-feeding.
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| What are the common side effects
of this
medicine? |
|
|
- Headache. Mild pain medicine may help.
- Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking
hard candy, or chewing gum may help.
- Diarrhea. Yogurt, Bifidobacterium bifidum
, or Lactobacillus acidophilus
.
- Rarely, anemia, low white blood cells,or low platelets can
occur.
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| What should I monitor? |
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- Watch for change in temperature or worsening of infection.
- Check blood pressure regularly if you have a history of hypertension.
- Check blood work weekly. Talk with healthcare
provider.
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| Reasons to call healthcare
provider
immediately |
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- Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing;
tightness in the chest; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits;
swelling of face, lips, tongue, throat.
- Severe headache.
- Severe nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
- Feel very weak, have any bleeding problems, bruising, or shortness of
breath.
- If you have any new signs or symptoms of infection, rapid heartbeats
or weight loss.
- Any rash.
- No improvement in condition or feeling
worse.
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| How should I store this
medicine? |
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- Store in tight, light-resistant container at room temperature.
- Use suspension in 21 days. Throw away unused portion after
that.
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| General statements |
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- Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's
medicine.
- Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
- Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, herbal/supplements,
vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider
(doctor, nurse, pharmacist, physician assistant).
- Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine,
including over-the-counter or natural products (herbs,
vitamins).
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Copyright © 1978-2001 Lexi-Comp Inc. All Rights Reserved
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