Linezolid: Uses, Side Effects & Brands in Pakistan
Linezolid is an oxazolidinone antibiotic. It is a prescription medicine used for serious skin infections, pneumonia and infections caused by resistant bacteria such as MRSA and VRE. In Pakistan it is available as tablets, syrup, infusions and injections, made by 9 different manufacturers. On this page you can read how it works, its common side effects and precautions, and compare the brands and prices available at Medimart.
How Linezolid works
Linezolid belongs to a group called oxazolidinones. It attaches to the bacterial ribosome and stops the bacteria from starting to make the proteins they need to grow and multiply. Because it works differently from most other antibiotics, it often remains effective against resistant strains.
What is Linezolid used for?
- Serious skin infections
- Pneumonia and infections caused by resistant bacteria such as MRSA
- VRE
Linezolid is a reserve antibiotic used for serious infections caused by Gram-positive bacteria that do not respond to commonly used antibiotics, including MRSA and vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE). It treats pneumonia, including pneumonia caught in hospital, and complicated skin and soft tissue infections. It is also part of some treatment plans for drug-resistant tuberculosis. It does not work against viral infections.
Side effects of Linezolid
Linezolid is generally well tolerated over short courses. Commonly reported side effects include:
- Diarrhoea
- Headache
- Nausea or vomiting
- Metallic taste or change in taste
- Fungal infection of the mouth or vagina
Tell your doctor straight away about any change in vision, numbness or tingling in the hands or feet, unusual bruising, bleeding or tiredness, or severe or bloody diarrhoea. Agitation, fever, shaking and a fast heartbeat need urgent help.
Precautions and warnings
- Tell your doctor if you take antidepressants or other medicines that affect serotonin, as the combination can cause serotonin syndrome.
- Avoid large amounts of tyramine-rich foods such as aged cheese, cured meats, soy sauce and fermented products, as they can raise blood pressure suddenly.
- Your blood count will usually be checked regularly, especially if treatment continues for more than two weeks.
- Let your doctor know if you have high blood pressure, an overactive thyroid, diabetes or a history of fits.
- Finish the full course your doctor prescribes, even if you feel better earlier.
Frequently asked questions about Linezolid
What is the price of Linezolid in Pakistan?
At Medimart, Linezolid products currently in stock range from Rs 455 to Rs 2,600 per pack, depending on the brand, strength and pack size. The lowest-priced option right now is Nezkil 200mg Injection at Rs 455. Prices are updated regularly, so the product list on this page always shows the latest price.Which brands of Linezolid are available in Pakistan?
Linezolid is sold in Pakistan under brand names such as Nezkil (Continental Pharmaceuticals), Ecasil (Sami Pharma Ltd), Nezocin (Brookes Pharmaceutical Labs (Pak) Ltd), Linzy (Global Pharmaceuticals), Rekto (Unison Chemical Works Lahore), Zyspan (Genix Pharma Ltd), Linzovent (FYNK Pharmaceuticals) and Zolrest (Bosch Pharmaceuticals Ltd), along with 2 more brands listed below.Do I need a prescription for Linezolid?
Yes. Linezolid is a prescription medicine in Pakistan. Use it only when a doctor has prescribed it, at the dose and for the time they advise.
Are all Linezolid brands the same?
Brands that contain the same amount of Linezolid in the same form are expected to work in the same way, although inactive ingredients, pack sizes and prices differ. Ask your doctor or pharmacist before switching from one brand to another.
Linezolid brands and prices in Pakistan
Medimart lists 20+ products containing Linezolid from different manufacturers. Compare strengths, pack sizes and prices below and order online with cash on delivery.
