Medications and Drugs

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Brand Names: Zyvox

Generic Name: linezolid (Pronunciation: lin EZ oh lid)

• What is linezolid (Zyvox)?
• What are the possible side effects of linezolid (Zyvox)?
• What is the most important information I should know about linezolid (Zyvox)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using linezolid (Zyvox)?
• How is linezolid used (Zyvox)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Zyvox)?
• What happens if I overdose (Zyvox)?
• What should I avoid while using linezolid (Zyvox)?
• What other drugs will affect linezolid (Zyvox)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is linezolid (Zyvox)?

Linezolid is an antibiotic that fights bacteria in the body.

Linezolid is used to treat different types of bacterial infections, such pneumonia, skin infections, and infections that are resistant to other antibiotics.

Linezolid may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Zyvox 600 mg

oblong, white, imprinted with ZYVOX 600 mg

What are the possible side effects of linezolid (Zyvox)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Some people develop lactic acidosis while using linezolid. Early symptoms may get worse over time and this condition can be fatal. Get emergency medical help if you have even mild symptoms such as: muscle pain or weakness, numb or cold feeling in your arms and legs, trouble breathing, stomach pain, nausea with vomiting, slow or uneven heart rate, dizziness, or feeling very weak or tired.

Call your doctor at once if you have any other serious side effects, such as:

• fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms, sores in your mouth and throat;
• easy bruising or bleeding, pale skin, feeling light-headed or short of breath, rapid heart rate, trouble concentrating;
• diarrhea that is watery or bloody;
• blurred vision, trouble seeing colors
• numbness, burning pain, or tingly feeling in your hands or feet; or
• seizure (convulsions).

Less serious side effects may include:

• headache, dizziness, sleep problems (insomnia);
• nausea, vomiting, constipation;
• discolored tongue, unusual or unpleasant taste in the mouth;
• vaginal itching or discharge; or
• yeast infection in the mouth.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about linezolid (Zyvox)?

Do not use linezolid if you have used an MAO inhibitor such as furazolidone (Furoxone), isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam, Zelapar), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) in the last 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur, leading to serious side effects.

Many drugs can interact with linezolid. Before using linezolid, tell your doctor about all other medications you use. You may need to stop using certain medicines before using linezolid (in some cases for up to 5 weeks before you start linezolid). During your treatment with linezolid, do not start or stop using any other medications unless your doctor tells you to.

You should not use linezolid if you have untreated or uncontrolled high blood pressure, a carcinoid tumor, adrenal gland tumor, or a severely overactive thyroid.

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