Zyvox

Generic name: Linezolid

Why is Zyvox prescribed?

Zyvox is a member of a new class of antibiotics called oxazolidinones. It is used to treat certain types of pneumonia, some forms of skin infection, and infections involving certain strains of a germ called Enterococcus faecium.

Most important fact about Zyvox

Antibiotic treatment can cause a type of diarrhea that, in rare cases, becomes extremely severe. If you develop diarrhea after starting Zyvox, be sure to notify your doctor immediately.

If you need to take Zyvox for more than two weeks, your doctor will perform blood tests to check for blood abnormalities. Blood tests are also needed if you tend to bleed easily or are taking medications that increase your chance of bleeding.

Zyvox could cause a very rare—but potentially fatal—side effect known as lactic acidosis, especially if the treatment lasts longer than the recommended 28 days. It is caused by a buildup of lactic acid in the blood. Lactic acidosis is a medical emergency that must be treated in a hospital. Notify your doctor immediately if you experience repeated nausea and vomiting or any of the following:

• Symptoms of lactic acidosis may include:
  Dizziness, extreme weakness or tiredness, light-headedness, low body temperature, rapid breathing or trouble breathing, sleepiness, slow or irregular heartbeat, unexpected or unusual stomach discomfort, unusual muscle pain

How should you take Zyvox?

Zyvox should be taken twice a day, every 12 hours, until the prescription is finished. Do not stop taking the medicine when you start to feel better. If you discontinue it too soon, surviving germs may cause a relapse. Zyvox may be taken with or without food.

If you are taking the liquid formulation of Zyvox, gently mix it before each use by turning the bottle upside down and upright 3 to 5 times. Do not shake the bottle.

Your doctor will only prescribe Zyvox to treat a bacterial infection; it will not cure a viral infection, such as the common cold. It's important to take the full dosage schedule of this medication, even if you're feeling better in a few days. Not completing the full dosage schedule may decrease the drug's effectiveness and increase the chances that the bacteria may become resistant to Zyvox and similar antibiotics.