ZYVOX

Who is Zyvox for ?

this medication is the first antibiotic in a new class, the oxazolidinones, that may be used to treat susceptible serious bacterial infections such as complicated and uncomplicated skin infections, hospital and community acquired pneumonia, and other resistant infections. Linezolid is available in an intravenous and oral formulation and should only be used in multi-drug resistant infections.

When should I be careful taking Zyvox ?

Before taking linezolid,

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to linezolid, other antibiotics, or any other medications.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially medications for high blood pressure; cold remedies containing decongestants (pseudoephedrine and phenylpropanolamine); antidepressants, especially the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs?eg. Prozac, Zoloft, Paxil, others); and any other antibiotics.
• tell your doctor if you have ever had severe diarrhea after taking an antibiotic, uncontrolled blood pressure, pheochromocytoma (a type of tumor), untreated overactive thyroid gland, bleeding or clotting disorders, liver or kidney disease.
• be aware that large quantities of foods and beverages with tyramine should be avoided while taking linezolid.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking linezolid, call your doctor immediately.

Zyvox Side Effects

Although side effects from linezolid are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• diarrhea
• headache
• nausea/vomiting
• upset stomach
• insomnia
• constipation
• dizziness
• taste alteration
• tongue discoloration

If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

• rash
• itching
• high fever
• vaginal infection (yeast infection)
• yellowing of the skin or eyes
• shortness of breath or wheezing
• swelling of the face, lips, or throat