ZYVOX (LINEZOLID)

What is Zyvox?

Zyvox is a potent antibiotic medication that fights harmful bacteria in the body. It is usually prescribed for treatment-resistant infections, and should begin reducing symptoms such as redness, swelling, pain, and fever, though others can manifest in other ways, depending on location. This medication is also available by its generic name, Linezolid. The generic alternative is not manufactured by the company that makes the brand product.

How Zyvox Works on Enterococci, Staphylococci, and Streptococci Bacteria

Zyvox is a newer class of antimicrobials that are called Oxazolidinones and is only prescribed to treat bacterial infections, especially those caused by the Vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE), methicillin-resistant staphylococci (MRSA), and streptococci.

When taken as directed, Zyvox works by inhibiting the first step in the biosynthesis of proteins. Without these proteins, the bacteria are unable to divide and multiply. This reduces the bacteria’s numbers and they subsequently die. Your immune system will also take care of helping to kill the bacteria.

For enterococci and staphylococci infections, Zyvox works as a bacteriostatic drug, meaning the bacteria are not killed but are rendered unable to multiply and they will die off with your immune system helping; for streptococci bacteria, Zyvox is bactericidal for most strains meaning the bacteria are killed.

Conditions Treated by Zyvox

Zyvox is used to treat bacterial infections of the skin, lungs, and other soft tissues, especially following a failed treatment attempt with traditional antibiotics. These can include hospital-acquired pneumonia and complicated skin and soft tissue infections; complicated refers to an infection that has spread to deeper soft tissues.

These infections usually develop when harmful bacteria enter the body and begin reproducing faster than your immune system can eliminate them. The bacteriostatic effect of Zyvox helps bring the bacterial population down enough for your immune system to do the rest of the work and kill the bacteria, while the bacteriostatic effects of Zyvox works better for those with a compromised immune system that is not able to help very much.

Before You Take Zyvox

Ask your doctor about the safety of taking Zyvox if you are pregnant, may become pregnant, or are breast feeding. Your doctor will need to know whether you have been diagnosed with epilepsy, diabetes, or high blood pressure before you start taking Zyvox. They should also be told if you have ever experienced problems with your thyroid, immune system, or bone marrow.

Report any cancers of the adrenal gland or neuroendocrine system to your doctor. Provide a list of current OTC and Rx medications you take or use, including herbal remedies and vitamin or dietary supplements to determine if Zyvox will exhibit any adverse reactions.

Important Information to Know When Taking Zyvox

Contact your doctor right away if you notice any black or bloody stools during treatment, as these could signal a new infection and may require further treatment. You should not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medications you take without talking to your doctor. Foods with high levels of tyramine should be avoided, including aged cheeses or meats, pickled/fermented/smoked/or air dried meats, soy sauce, and red wine as your blood pressure could become dangerously high.

Possible Side Effects of Zyvox

• Vaginal irritation
• Constipation or diarrhea
• Nausea and vomiting
• Skin irritation
• Insomnia
• Headache and dizziness