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|Zyvox Zyvox

Zyvox

Generic name: Linezolid
Brand names: Zyvox

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 Zyvox, 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.

--If you miss a dose...

Take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Never take 2 doses at the same time.

--Storage instructions...

Both Zyvox tablets and Zyvox liquid can be stored at room temperature. Keep the bottles tightly closed and protect from light and moisture. The liquid formulation should be used within 21 days.

What side effects may occur?

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

• Side effects reported in adults may include:
  Diarrhea, headache, nausea, vomiting

• Side effects reported in children may include:
  Anemia, blood infection, diarrhea, fever, rash, upper respiratory infection, vomiting

Why should Zyvox not be prescribed?

If Zyvox gives you an allergic reaction, you won"t be able to use it.

Special warnings about Zyvox

Let the doctor know if you have high blood pressure. Zyvox has not been tested under these conditions.

If you have a condition called phenylketonuria and must avoid the amino acid phenylalanine, it"s important to know that the liquid formulation of Zyvox contains this substance.

Possible food and drug interactions when taking Zyvox

If Zyvox is taken with certain 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:

Serotonin-boosting antidepressants such as Paxil, Prozac, and Zoloft, as well as other antidepressants such as Elavil and Tofranil
Decongestants such as Sudafed and Entex
Over-the-counter cold medicines and cough syrups that contain pseudoephedrine

While taking Zyvox, it"s important to avoid eating large amounts of foods that contain a chemical called "tyramine." Food products high in tyramine include aged cheese, fermented or air-dried meats such as dry sausage, sauerkraut, soy sauce, red wine, tap beers, and any protein-rich food that has been improperly refrigerated.

Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

Zyvox has not been studied in pregnant women or nursing mothers. Because the possibility of harm to the developing baby has not been ruled out, Zyvox should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit outweighs the possible risk. If you wish to breastfeed your infant, discuss your treatment options with your doctor.

Recommended dosage

ADULTS AND ADOLESCENTS 12 AND OLDER

Pneumonia and Complicated Skin Infections

The usual dosage is 600 milligrams every 12 hours for 10 to 14 days.

Uncomplicated Skin Infections

Adults: The usual dosage is 400 milligrams every 12 hours for 10 to 14 days.

Adolescents 12 years and older: The usual dosage is 600 milligrams every 12 hours for 10 to 14 days.

Enterococcus faecium Infections

The usual dosage is 600 milligrams every 12 hours for 14 to 28 days.

CHILDREN (BIRTH TO 11 YEARS OLD)

Pneumonia and Complicated Skin Infections

The usual dosage is 10 milligrams for every 2.2 pounds of body weight taken every 8 hours for 10 to 14 days.

Uncomplicated Skin Infections

Children under 5 years old: The usual dosage is 10 milligrams for every 2.2 pounds of body weight taken every 8 hours for 10 to 14 days.

Children 5 to 11 years old: The usual dosage is 10 milligrams for every 2.2 pounds of body weight taken every 12 hours for 10 to 14 days.

Enterococcus faecium Infections

The usual dosage is 10 milligrams for every 2.2 pounds of body weight taken every 8 hours for 14 to 28 days.

Overdosage

Little is known about the effects of a Zyvox overdose. However, any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences, so if you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately.