Generic Name : Linezolid
Brand Names : Zyvox
Zyvox (Linezolid) is an antibiotic prescribed to treat certain serious bacterial infections that have not responded to other antibiotics (resistant infections). It works by stopping the growth of bacteria. This medicine treats only bacterial infections and does not work for viral infections (e.g., common cold, flu). Unnecessary use or overuse of any antibiotic can lead to its decreased effectiveness.
Zyvox (Linezolid) is indicated to treat certain serious bacterial infections such as pneumonia, skin infections, and infections that are resistant to other antibiotic. It may also be used for the other purpose not listed here.
This medication is usually injected by a health care professional in a hospital or clinic setting. Before using, the product it should be visually checked for particles or discoloration. This medication is normally yellow. It should be checked for leaks by firmly squeezing the bag. If particles, discoloration, or leaks are present, the patient should not use the product. This medication is given into a vein (IV) over 30 minutes to 2 hours, usually every 12 hours or as directed by the doctor. It should not be mixed with other medications. The dosage will be based on the medical condition and response to therapy. In children the dosage may also be based on weight, and they may be directed to inject this medication every 8 hours. Zyvox (Linezolid) is related to a group of drugs called MAO inhibitors. Certain foods interact with MAO inhibitors, causing severe headache and increased blood pressure. This could lead to a medical emergency. Therefore, it is important for the patient to avoid or limit intake of these foods to reduce your risk of these serious problems. Antibiotics work best when the amount of medicine in the body is kept at a constant level. Therefore, the drug should be used at evenly spaced intervals. The patient should continue to use this medication until the full prescribed amount is finished, even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping the medication too early may allow bacteria to continue to grow, which may result in a relapse of the infection.
The various reported side effects of the medicine are: Pain/redness/swelling at the injection site, diarrhea, headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, trouble sleeping, or constipation, deep/fast breathing, drowsiness, mental/mood changes, fever, uncontrolled movements, tingling or numbness of hands/feet, vision changes (including loss of vision), persistent sore throat, unusual tiredness, seizure, new vaginal yeast infection (oral or vaginal fungal infection), abdominal or stomach pain/cramping, or blood/mucus in your stool, rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
The doctor should be consulted with the medical history, especially of: high blood pressure, blood disorders (e.g., low blood counts), certain tumor or related conditions (e.g., pheochromocytoma, carcinoid syndrome), untreated overactive thyroid disease (hyperthyroidism), seizure.
These drug should not be used with the following medications because very serious interactions may occur: atomoxetine, bethanidine, bupropion, buspirone, carbamazepine, certain antihistamines (azatadine, carbetapentane, chlorpheniramine), dextromethorphan, certain eye drops (apraclonidine, brimonidine), herbal products (e.g., ephedra/ma huang), methyldopa, certain narcotic pain relievers (fentanyl, meperidine), papaverine, drugs for Parkinson's disease (such as entacapone, tolcapone), reboxetine, SSRI antidepressants (e.g., fluoxetine, citalopram), sympathomimetics (e.g., ephedrine, methylphenidate), tetrabenazine, tramadol, tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline, doxepin), "triptans" (e.g., sumatriptan, zolmitriptan), weight loss drugs (such as sibutramine).
The patient should avoid taking other MAO inhibitors (e.g., furazolidone, isocarboxazid, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine) within 2 weeks before, during, and after treatment with this medication.
If overdose is suspected, the local poison control center or emergency room immediately should be contacted immediately.