Zyvox (Linezolid)

Description

Zyvox is a brand name for linezolid, an antibiotic prescribed to treat serious bacterial infections that are resistant to conventional antibiotic treatments.

 

 

 

Drug Information

 

Linezolid, the main active ingredient in Zyvox, is an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections that are often resistant to other kinds of antibiotics. Linezolid is particularly effective against serious infections caused by Gram positive bacteria such as streptococci, enterococci and Staphylococcus aureus. These types of bacteria are usually resistant to conventional antibiotic treatments classified under the penicillin and cephalosporin groups.

 

Linezolid is tested to cure all common types of Gram-positive bacterial infections. Research indicates that linezolid has insignificant effectiveness against Gram-negative bacteria.

 

Linezolid is a bacteriostatic agent rather than a bactericidal one. Meaning, linezolid stalls infections by stopping the growth and reproduction of bacteria, rather than by killing them. However, in some instances, linezolid does kill certain bacteria.

 

Zyvox is commonly prescribed for skin and soft tissue infections and pneumonia.

 

Dosage

 

Zyvox must be prescribed for use by a doctor. The dosage will vary depending on the patient’s weight and the type of bacteria infecting the body.

 

Zyvox tablets must be swallowed, usually within 12 hour intervals, for 10 to 28 days depending on the severity of the infection. Zyvox can be taken either with or without food.

 

It’s highly important to follow the directions exactly as instructed by a doctor for the treatment to be effective with a minimal number of adverse effects. Do not stop the treatment prematurely as doing so could make the infection come back.

 

Do not skip doses of Zyvox. It could result in the infecting bacteria developing a resistance to the antibiotic. Take

 

Zyvox same time each day to avoid forgetting doses.

 

Side Effects

 

Zyvox may result in any of the following effects:

 

 Diarrhea
 Headache
 Vomiting
 Skin rash
 Nausea
 Stomach pain
 Dizziness
 Sleeping problems
 Constipation
 Whitish patches in the mouth
 Changes to taste perception
 Discoloration of the tongue
 Vaginal yeast infections

 

Side effects other than those indicated above could occur. Side effects are more common with long term use of the drug.

 

Immediately seek medical assistance if side effects continue for more than a week.

 

To reduce or prevent the occurrence and severity of side effects, take Zyvox exactly as prescribed.

 

Precautions

 

 Do not take Zyvox if allergic to any of the ingredients in the drug. Those who are known to be allergic to antibiotics similar to Zyvox may be allergic to Zyvox as well.

 

 Zyvox could cause dangerous drug interactions with MAO inhibitors such as isocarboxazid, furazolidone, rasagiline, selegiline and phenelzine. It’s recommended that patients wait at least two weeks after taking a MAO inhibitor to start taking Zyvox.

 

 Patients with high blood pressure, an overactive thyroid gland or certain types of tumors are advised to avoid using

 

 Zyvox. Discuss safety of Zyvox with a doctor.

 

 Zyvox is highly prone to cause dangerous drug interactions with certain types of medications. Therefore, patients should disclose all information regarding current prescription or non-prescription medical treatments to a doctor.