Drug Name

Zyvox (Linezolid)

Drug Uses

Zyvox is used for treating adults with certain serious bacterial infections that are often resistant to other antibiotics.

How to use

Use Zyvox as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

Take Zyvox by mouth with or without food. If stomach upset occurs, take with food to reduce stomach irritation.

To clear up your infection completely, use Zyvox for the full course of treatment. Keep using it even if you feel better in a few days.

Drug Class and Mechanism

Zyvox is an oxazolidinone antibiotic. It works by interfering with the production of proteins needed by bacteria to grow.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of Zyvox, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Storage

Store at controlled room temperature (77 degree F or 25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Brief storage between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 to 30 degrees C) is permitted.

Warnings/Precautions

Do NOT use Zyvox if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Zyvox;
• you are taking an amphetamine (eg, dextroamphetamine), certain anorexiants (eg, phentermine), a catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) inhibitor (eg, entacapone), levodopa, meperidine, or a sympathomimetic (eg, albuterol, dopamine, epinephrine, pseudoephedrine);
• you have taken apraclonidine, bupropion, a norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (eg, atomoxetine), a serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (eg, duloxetine), or certain anorexiants (eg, sibutramine) within the past 14 days.

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Some medical conditions may interact with Zyvox. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

•     if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding;
•     if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement;
•     if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances;
•    if you have a history of high blood pressure, kidney problems, bone marrow problems, low blood cell or platelet levels, an adrenal gland tumor (pheochromocytoma), carcinoid syndrome, severe liver problems, seizures, or an overactive thyroid;
•     if you have a prolonged infection that has been previously treated with another antibiotic medicine;
•     if you are taking any medicine for depression.

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Zyvox. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

•     Amphetamines (eg, dextroamphetamine), anorexiants (eg, phentermine, sibutramine), or sympathomimetics (eg, dopamine, epinephrine, pseudoephedrine) because the risk of serious side effects, including severe headache, fever, or high blood pressure, may be increased;
•    Bupropion, COMT inhibitors (eg, entacapone), levodopa, norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (eg, atomoxetine), serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (eg, duloxetine, or serotonin reuptake inhibitors (eg, fluoxetine) because the risk of serious side effects, including severe fever, mental or mood changes, or muscle problems, may be increased;
•    Apraclonidine, meperidine, or tryptophan because the risk of serious side effects or toxic effects may be increased.

Possible Side Effects

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

• Bad taste in mouth; constipation; diarrhea; dizziness; headache; nausea; tongue discoloration; trouble sleeping; vomiting.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

• Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); agitation; bloody stools; bloody vomit; chills; excitation; fast heartbeat; loss of coordination; muscle spasms; prolonged or repeated nausea or vomiting; seizures; severe or continuing diarrhea; sore throat or fever; stomach pain/cramps; sweating; swelling of the hands or feet; tingling or numbness of hands or feet; unusual bleeding or bruising; unusual tiredness or weakness; vaginal irritation or unusual discharge; vision changes; white patches in the mouth.

More Information

If you have any questions about Zyvox, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.

Zyvox is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.

If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.