Zyvox

Generic name: Linezolid

What is Zyvox?

Zyvox is a strong antibiotic that treats infections untreatable by other common antibiotics. Under the direction of your physician, you may be prescribed Zyvox for one of the following: vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium, multidrug-resistant or hospital-acquired pneumonia, community-acquired pneumonia, or complicated and uncomplicated skin and skin structure infections.

What is the most important information I should know about Zyvox?

Zyvox should not be used to treat viral infections. To reduce the development of drug-resistant bacteria and maintain the effectiveness of Zyvox formulations and other antibacterial drugs, your prescriber should only use it treat or prevent certain infections.

Zyvox may decrease your blood cell count, and your doctor will do monitor your blood weekly, especially if you have current illnesses that put you at risk.

Similar to other antibiotics, Zyvox may disrupt normal bacteria found in the body, especially the stomach. This may increase your chances of getting mild to moderate diarrhea.

If you experience repeated episodes of nausea or vomiting, your doctor may take some tests to check the levels of acids and bases in your body to determine if you are developing lactic acidosis.

Changes in vision have been reported in some patients, especially those who are treated for longer than 28 days. If you experience any changes or if you are getting treated for 3 months or more, make regular visits to the eye doctor.

The use of this Zyvox with other medications, especially certain antidepressants, may increase your risk of experiencing a serious side effect known as serotonin syndrome. This is characterized by a very high fever, difficulty moving, and lack of coordination. If you experience any similar symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.

Convulsions have been reported in patients when treated with this drug and should be discussed with your doctor.

Zyvox is not approved for, and should not be used for, catheter-related bloodstream infections or catheter-site infections.

Who should not take Zyvox?

You should not take Zyvox if you have a known allergy to linezolid or any other of the drug's components, if you are taking medications that can increase your blood pressure, if you are taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (such as phenelzine and isocarboxazid) and certain antidepressants.

You should not take this medication if you have uncontrolled high blood pressure or conditions that cause elevated blood pressure.

What should I tell my doctor before I take the first dose of Zyvox?

Tell your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking before beginning treatment with Zyvox. Also, talk to your doctor about your complete medical history, especially if you have high blood pressure, are taking cold medications that can increase your blood pressure, changes in vision due to a previous use of Zyvox, a history of seizures or convulsions.

What is the usual dosage?

The information below is based on the dosage guidelines your doctor uses. Depending on your condition and medical history, your doctor may prescribe a different regimen. Do not change the dosage or stop taking your medication without your doctor's approval.

Community-Acquired Pneumonia

Adults: The dose is 600 mg IV or orally every 12 hours for 10-14 days

Children birth to 11 years old: 10mg/kg IV or orally every 8 hours for 10-14 days

Hospital-Acquired Pneumonia

Adults: The dose is 600 mg IV or orally every 12 hours for 10-14 days

Children birth to 11 years old: 10mg/kg IV or orally every 8 hours for 10-14 days

Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococcus faecium

Adults: The dose is 600 mg IV or orally every 12 hours for 14-28 days

Children birth to 11 years old: 10mg/kg IV or orally every 8 hours for 14-28 days

Uncomplicated Skin and Skin Structure Infections

Adults: 400 mg orally every 12 hours for 10-14 days

Adolescents: 600 mg orally every 12 hours for 10-14 days

Children 5-11 years: 10 mg/kg orally every 12 hours for 10-14 days

Children <5 years: 10 mg/kg orally every 8 hours for 10-14 days

Complicated Skin and Skin Structure Infections

Adults: The dose is 600 milligrams (mg) IV or orally every 12 hours for 10-14 days

Children birth to 11 years old: 10mg/kg IV or oral every 8 hours for 10-14 days

Infection Due to Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)

Adults: The dose is 600 mg every 12 hours

For neonates <7 days old, your doctor will determine the dose of Zyvox that is more suitable for his or her age and weight.

How should I take Zyvox?

The medication should be taken exactly as directed. Skipping doses or not completing the full course of therapy may decrease the effectiveness of the immediate treatment and increase the likelihood that bacteria will develop resistance and will not be treatable by Zyvox or other antibacterial drugs in the future.

If you are in the hospital, the medication may be given to you by a healthcare professional intravenously. If you are taking it as a tablet or oral suspension, take it by mouth daily as directed. Before using the oral suspension, gently mix by inverting the bottle 3 to 5 times. DO NOT SHAKE.

What should I avoid while taking Zyvox?

Avoid eating large quantities (over 100 mg tyramine per meal) of foods or beverages with high tyramine content should be avoided while taking Zyvox. Foods high in tyramine content include those that may have undergone protein changes by aging, fermentation, pickling, or smoking to improve flavor, such as aged cheeses (0 to 15 mg tyramine per ounce); fermented or air-dried meats (0.1 to 8 mg tyramine per ounce); sauerkraut (8 mg tyramine per 8 ounces); soy sauce (5 mg tyramine per 1 teaspoon); tap beers (4 mg tyramine per 12 ounces); red wines (0 to 6 mg tyramine per 8 ounces). The tyramine content of any protein-rich food may be increased if stored for long periods or improperly refrigerated

Avoid using the oral suspension formulation if you have problems breaking down amino acids as it contains about 20 mg of phenylalanine.

What are possible food and drug interactions associated with Zyvox?

If Zyvox is taken with certain food and other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Zyvox with the following: buspirone, dopamine, dobutamine, epinephrine, isocarboxazid, meperidine, norephinephrine, phenylpropanolamine, phenelzine, pseudoephedrine, serotonin 5-HT1 receptor antagonists (such as sumatriptan, zolmitriptan), serotonin reuptake inhibitors (such as citalopram, fluoxetine, paroxetine), tricyclic antidepressants, tyramine-rich foods (see "What should I avoid while taking this medication?")

What are the possible side effects of Zyvox?

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking this drug.

Side effects may include: diarrhea, headache, nausea, vomiting

Can I receive Zyvox if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

The effects of Zyvox during pregnancy and breastfeeding are unknown. Tell your doctor immediately if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding as it should be used only if the benefits outweigh the risks.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Zyvox?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and return to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose.

How should I store Zyvox?

Store Zyvox infusion bags, tablets, and constituted suspension at room temperature away from light. Once reconstituted, the suspension should be used within 21 days.