Zyvox (Linezolid) Drug Overview and Uses for Patients and Caregivers at RxList

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May 27, 2012

Zyvox

Staph Infection (Staphylococcus Aureus) »

What is Staphylococcus?

Staphylococcus is a group of bacteria that can cause a number of diseases as a result of infection of various tissues of the body. Staphylococcus is more familiarly known as Staph (pronounced "staff"). Staph-related illness can range from mild and requiring no treatment to severe and potentially fatal.

The name Staphylococcus comes from the Greek staphyle, meaning a bunch of grapes, and kokkos, meaning berry, and that is what Staph bacteria look like under the microscope, like a bunch of grapes or little round berries. (In technical terms, these are gram-positive, facultative anaerobic, usually unencapsulated cocci.)

Over 30 different types of Staphylococci can infect humans, but most infections are caused by Staphylococcus aureus. Staphylococci can be found normally in the nose and on the skin (and less commonly in other locations) of around 25%-30% of healthy adults and...

Read the Staph Infection (Staphylococcus Aureus) article »

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Zyvox Consumer

IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.

LINEZOLID - INJECTION

(lin-AZE-oh-lid)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Zyvox

USES: Linezolid is an antibiotic used to treat certain serious bacterial infections that have not responded to other antibiotics (resistant infections). It works by stopping the growth of bacteria.

HOW TO USE: This medication is given by injection into a vein as directed by your doctor, usually every 12 hours. It should be injected slowly over 30 minutes to 2 hours. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. In children the dosage may also be based on weight, and they may be directed to inject this medication every 8 hours.

If you are giving this medication to yourself at home, learn all preparation and usage instructions from your health care professional. Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. Learn how to store and discard medical supplies safely.

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 to avoid or limit intake of these foods to reduce your risk of these serious problems. (See Drug Interactions section.)

Antibiotics work best when the amount of medicine in your body is kept at a constant level. Therefore, use this drug at evenly spaced intervals.

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.

Tell your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.