 When administered for short periods , linezolid is a relatively safe antibiotic . It can be used in people of all ages and in people with liver disease or poor kidney function . Common adverse effects of short @-@ term use include headache , diarrhea , and nausea . Long @-@ term use , however , has been associated with serious adverse effects such as bone marrow suppression and low platelet counts , particularly when used for more than two weeks . If used for longer periods still , it may cause sometimes irreversible chemotherapy @-@ induced peripheral neuropathy and optic nerve damage , and lactic acidosis ( a buildup of lactic acid in the body ) , all most likely due to mitochondrial toxicity . 
