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Introduction About LINOSEPT
LINOSEPT contains Linezolid, which belongs to the group of medicines called Antibiotics. It is used to manage bacterial infections like pneumonia (nosocomial and community-acquired pneumonia), some infections in or under the skin (complicated skin and soft tissue infections), and blood infections.
Bacterial infections are caused by the multiplication of specific harmful strains of bacteria anywhere in the body. It is generally characterized by fever, chills and sweat, swollen lymph nodes, sudden pain or its worsening, unexplained tiredness, headache, skin flushing or discomfort, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or stomach pain.
Before taking LINOSEPT, inform your doctor if you have liver, kidney, or heart problems, mental health problems (such as maniac depression, schizoaffective disorder), overactive thyroid, anemia, history of seizures, diarrhea, adrenal gland tumors (phaeochromocytoma), or carcinoid syndrome, and if you are prone to getting infections.
During management with LINOSEPT, your doctor might perform regular blood tests to monitor your blood count and your eyesight if you take LINOSEPT for more than 28 days.
LINOSEPT is not recommended for use in pregnant women unless advised by the doctor, and it is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women. LINOSEPT is not recommended for use in children and adolescents (below 18 years of age), and it should be used with caution in elderly patients (aged 65 years and above).
The most common side effects of taking LINOSEPT are headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, stomach pain, and indigestion. Consult your doctor if any of the side effects worsen.
Uses Of LINOSEPT
Manages bacterial infections like:
- pneumonia (nosocomial and community-acquired)
- complicated skin and soft tissue infections
- blood infections
How LINOSEPT Works
LINOSEPT works by binding to and inhibiting bacterial enzymes required in DNA synthesis, thus interrupting DNA replication and managing bacterial cell multiplication.
How to use LINOSEPT
Take LINOSEPT as advised by your physician.
For Tablet: Swallow LINOSEPT with a glass of water. Do not crush or chew the medicine.
For Dispersible Tablet: Disperse LINOSEPT in the specified quantity of water as mentioned on the label. Consume the mixture immediately after reconstitution.
Your doctor will decide the correct dose and duration of therapy for you depending upon your age, body weight and disease condition. Continue to take LINOSEPT for the stipulated duration prescribed by your doctor to achieve better results.
Side Effects Of LINOSEPT
Common
- vaginal or oral thrush (fungal infection)
- headache, dizziness
- metallic taste in the mouth
- diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, localized or general stomach pain, constipation, indigestion
- difficulty in sleeping
- localized pain
- increased blood pressure
Uncommon
- tingling sensation or feeling numb
- swollen, sore, or discoloured tongue
- dry mouth
- frequent urination
- chills
- feeling thirsty
- increased sweating
- kidney failure
- abdominal bloating
- increased or decreased heart rate
- weakness, sensory changes
- inflammation of the vagina or genital area (women)
Rare
- superficial tooth discolouration
Stop taking LINOSEPT and contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following side effects:
- severe skin disorder and allergic reactions (signs include swelling, particularly around the face and neck, wheezing, difficulty breathing, raised purple rash due to inflammation of blood vessels, red sore skin and flaking, rash, and itching)
- vision problems (like blurred vision, changes in color vision, difficulty in seeing detail, or restricted field of vision)
- severe diarrhea with blood or mucus (it may develop into complications that are life-threatening)
- repeated nausea or vomiting, abdominal pain, or rapid breathing
- fits or seizures or serotonin syndrome (signs include agitation, confusion, mental disturbance, rigidity, shaking, incoordination, seizure, rapid heart rate, and severe breathing problems)
- unexplained bleeding or bruising
- changes in the numbers of certain blood cells that may lead to infection (signs of infection include fever, sore throat, mouth ulcers, and tiredness)
- inflammation of the pancreas
- convulsions
- transient ischemic attacks (temporary disturbance of the flow of blood to the brain causing short-term symptoms such as loss of vision, leg and arm weakness, slurring of speech, and loss of consciousness)
- ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
How To Manage Side Effects

Constipation
Try to eat more high-fiber foods such as fresh fruit, vegetables, and cereals, and drink plenty of water. If this does not help, consult your doctor about receiving alternate management for constipation.

Diarrhea
Drink lots of fluids, such as water, to keep yourself hydrated. Avoid eating high-fat or spicy foods. Try to avoid taking any medicine on your own to manage diarrhea and consult your doctor if the diarrhea gets worse.

Dizziness Or Drowsiness
Lie down until the dizziness is gone, then get up slowly. Move slowly and carefully; do not hurry. Get adequate rest. Drink plenty of water and other fluids. Avoid intake of caffeine and its related products. If dizziness does not improve or worsen, consult your doctor.

Headache
Drink ample amounts of water and avoid skipping meals. Get adequate rest. Try to be relaxed and stress-free. Apply pain-relieving balm on your forehead if necessary. Consult your doctor if the headache does not improve.

Nausea And Vomiting
Stick to simple meals while taking this medicine. Avoid eating oily, rich, fried, or spicy foods. Do not lie down or sleep immediately after eating. Consult your doctor if the nausea and vomiting does not improve.

Stomach Pain
Try to rest and relax. Eat and drink slowly or try to eat smaller meals more frequently. Keep a heat pad on your stomach. Consult your doctor if the stomach pain does not improve.
Warning & Precautions

Pregnancy
Monitoring requiredLINOSEPT is not recommended for use in pregnant women unless clearly advised by the doctor. Consult your doctor before taking LINOSEPT.

Breastfeeding
ContraindicatedLINOSEPT is not recommended for use in breast-feeding women as it may pass through the breast milk and could affect the baby. Consult your doctor before taking LINOSEPT.

Driving and Using Machines
Use with CautionDo not drive or operate any machines if you experience dizziness or problems with your vision after taking LINOSEPT.

Alcohol
Use with CautionAvoid consumption of alcohol (especially draught beers and wine) while taking LINOSEPT.

Kidney
Use with CautionLINOSEPT should be taken with caution in patients with kidney problems, especially if the patient is on dialysis. Consult your doctor before taking LINOSEPT.

Liver
Use with CautionLINOSEPT should be taken with caution in patients with liver problems. Consult your doctor before taking LINOSEPT.

Allergy
ContraindicatedDo not take LINOSEPT if you are allergic to Linezolid or any other ingredients of this medicine.

Heart Disease
Use with CautionLINOSEPT should be used with caution in patients with high blood pressure. Consult your doctor before taking LINOSEPT.

Use In Pediatrics
ContraindicatedLINOSEPT is not recommended for use in children and adolescents (under 18 years of age). Consult your child’s doctor for advice.

Use In Geriatrics
Use with CautionLINOSEPT should be used with caution in elderly patients (aged 65 years and above) due to the greater risk of developing blood dyscrasias (a condition that affects the blood, bone marrow, or lymph tissue). Consult your doctor before taking LINOSEPT.
Others
Before taking LINOSEPT, inform your doctor if you:
- have an overactive thyroid
- have an adrenal gland tumor (phaeochromocytoma) or carcinoid syndrome (tumors of the hormone system causing diarrhea, flushing of the skin, and wheezing)
- have mental disorders such as manic depression, schizoaffective disorder, mental confusion, or other mental problems
- bruise and bleed easily
- are anemic (low red blood cells)
- are prone to getting infections
- have a history of seizures
- have diarrhea
- have phenylketonuria (a rare genetic disorder that causes certain amino acids to build up in the body)
- have any scheduled surgery
Interactions
A. Drug-Drug interactions:
Before taking LINOSEPT, inform your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:
- medicines used to manage a cold or flu (Ex. pseudoephedrine, phenylpropanolamine)
- medicines used to manage asthma (Ex. salbutamol, terbutaline, fenoterol)
- medicines used to manage depression (Ex. clomipramine, amitriptyline, doxepin, citalopram, dosulepin, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, imipramine, lofepramine, paroxetine, and sertraline), monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) (used to manage depression or Parkinson’s disease) (Ex. phenelzine, isocarboxazid, selegiline, and moclobemide)
- medicines used to manage migraines (Ex. sumatriptan, zolmitriptan)
- medicines used to manage sudden, severe allergic reactions (Ex. adrenaline (epinephrine))
- medicines that increase blood pressure (Ex. noradrenaline (norepinephrine), dopamine, and dobutamine)
- pethidine (used to manage moderate to severe pain)
- buspirone (used to manage anxiety disorders)
- warfarin (used to stop blood clotting)
- rifampicin (used to manage bacterial infections)
B. Drug-Food interactions:
Avoid eating large amounts of mature cheese, yeast extracts, or soy bean extracts (Ex. soy sauce) while taking LINOSEPT, as it may react with a substance called tyramine, which is naturally present in some foods, and cause an increase in the blood pressure.
Overdosage:
If you or anyone else accidentally takes too much of LINOSEPT, consult your doctor immediately or visit the nearby hospital. Symptoms of an overdose are vomiting, shaking, unsteadiness, or lack of coordination.
Synopsis
Drug | : | Linezolid |
Pharmacological Category | : | Oxazolidinone antibiotic |
Therapeutic Indication | : | Pneumonia, skin infections, and blood infections |
Dosage Forms | : | Tablet, Dispersible Tablet, Injection, Infusion, Dry Syrup, Syrup, Oral suspension |
More Information
Storage
- Keep LINOSEPT out of reach of children
- Store below 25°C
FAQs About LINOSEPT
Q: Can LINOSEPT be used in infants?
A: No, LINOSEPT is used for adults, and it is not recommended for children and adolescents under 18 years of age. Your child’s doctor will select a suitable alternative therapy for your child to manage the specific infection.
Q: Is LINOSEPT safe to use in patients with kidney problems?
A: LINOSEPT should be used with caution in patients with kidney problems, especially if the patient is on dialysis. Your doctor may monitor your kidney function test regularly to manage any unusual effects. Consult your doctor before taking LINOSEPT.
Q: What if I forget to take a dose of LINOSEPT?
A: If you forget a dose of LINOSEPT, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next scheduled dose at the prescribed time. Do not double the dose to make up for the missed dose, as this may increase the chances of developing side effects.
Q: Can I stop taking LINOSEPT on my own?
A: Continue taking LINOSEPT until your doctor tells you to stop it or unless you experience any unwanted effects, worsening of your condition, or any new symptoms. In such a case, contact your doctor right away. Do not stop taking LINOSEPT because if you feel better. If you do so, your infection may get worse again.
Q: Can LINOSEPT be used during pregnancy?
A: LINOSEPT is not recommended for use in pregnant women unless advised by the doctor. Consult your doctor before taking LINOSEPT if you are pregnant or planning to get pregnant.
Q: Can I face any problems after stopping LINOSEPT management?
A: LINOSEPT can cause some bacteria to multiply, which are normally present in the bowel and normally harmless. Inform your doctor if you notice any side effects occurring several weeks after stopping management with LINOSEPT like severe stomach cramps, watery and severe diarrhea (which may be bloody) or fever.
Q: What is LINOSEPT used for?
A: LINOSEPT is used to manage bacterial infections like pneumonia (nosocomial and community-acquired pneumonia), some infections in or under the skin (complicated skin and soft tissue infections), and blood infections.
Q: How does LINOSEPT work?
A: LINOSEPT works by binding to and inhibiting bacterial enzymes required in DNA synthesis, thus interrupting DNA replication and managing bacterial cell multiplication.
Q: What are the side effects of taking LINOSEPT?
A: The most common side effects of taking LINOSEPT are headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, stomach pain, and indigestion. Consult your doctor if any of the side effects worsen.
Q: Who should not take LINOSEPT?
A: Do not take LINOSEPT if you are allergic to Linezolid or any other ingredients of this medicine.
Q: What precautions must be taken while using LINOSEPT?
A: Before taking LINOSEPT, inform your doctor if you have kidney problems, especially if the patient is on dialysis, liver problems, high blood pressure, overactive thyroid, adrenal gland tumor (phaeochromocytoma) or carcinoid syndrome (tumors of the hormone system causing diarrhea, flushing of the skin, and wheezing), mental disorders such as manic depression, schizoaffective disorder, mental confusion, or other mental problems, bruise and bleed easily, anemia (low red blood cells), or are prone to getting infections, history of seizures, or have diarrhea, phenylketonuria (a rare genetic disorder that causes certain amino acids to build up in the body), or scheduled for any surgery.
References
1. KD. Tripathi. Macrolide, Lincosamide, Glycopeptide, and Other Antibacterial Antibiotics; Urinary Antiseptics. Essentials of Medical Pharmacology. Eighth edition. 2019. Page – 807.
2. Seyed Mohammad Reza Hashemian, Tayebeh Farhadi, and Mojdeh Ganjparvar. Linezolid: a review of its properties, function, and use in critical care. NIH National Library of Medicine, National Center for Biotechnology Information. Pubmed Central. June 2018 [Accessed on 23rd August 2024] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6014438/
3. Abed Zahedi Bialvaei, Mohammad Rahbar, Mehdi Yousefi, Mohammad Asgharzadeh, and Hossein Samadi Kafil. Linezolid: a promising option in the treatment of gram-positives. Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy. February 2017 [Accessed on 23rd August 2024] https://academic.oup.com/jac/article/72/2/354/2629138
4. Pharmadox Healthcare Ltd. Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC). [Revised in September 2022] [Accessed on 23rd August 2024] https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.13583.pdf
5. Pfizer New Zealand Limited. Zyvox (Linezolid). [Revised in April 2022] [Accessed on 23rd August 2024] https://www.medsafe.govt.nz/consumers/cmi/z/ZyvoxTabs.pdf
Useful Diagnostic Tests
- Complete Blood Count (CBC)/ Hemogram
- Liver Function Test (LFT)
- Kidney Function Test (KFT)
- Serum Electrolytes/ Electrolytes Profile
- Peripheral Smear Examination By Pathologist
- Culture & Sensitivity, Blood
- Healthians Annual Health Maintenance - Chronic
- Healthians Annual Health Maintenance – Preventive