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In this Article

• 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 should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using linezolid (Zyvox)?

Do not use linezolid if you have used an MAO inhibitor such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) within the past 14 days. Serious, life-threatening side effects can occur if you use linezolid before the MAO inhibitor has cleared from your body.

You also should not use linezolid if you are also using any of these drugs:

• buspirone (BuSpar);
• meperidine (Demerol);
• a diet pill that contains a stimulant;
• cold or allergy medicines that contain a decongestant such as pseudoephedrine;
• ADHD medication such as Adderall or Dexedrine;
• migraine or cluster headache medication such as almotriptan (Axert), frovatriptan (Frova), naratriptan (Amerge), rizatriptan (Maxalt), sumatriptan (Imitrex), or zolmitriptan (Zomig);
• medication to treat Parkinson's disease or restless leg syndrome, such as carbidopa or levodopa (Lodosyn, Parcopa, Sinemet), pramipexole (Mirapex), or ropinorole (Requip); or
• an antidepressant such as amitriptyline (Elavil, Etrafon), citalopram (Celexa), doxepin (Sinequan), escitalopram (Lexapro), fluoxetine (Prozac, Sarafem, Symbyax), fluvoxamine (Luvox), imipramine (Janimine, Tofranil), paroxetine (Paxil), or sertraline (Zoloft), and others.

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to linezolid, or if you have:

• untreated or uncontrolled high blood pressure;
• a carcinoid tumor;
• pheochromocytoma (adrenal gland tumor); or
• a severe thyroid disorder.

If you have certain conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use this medication. Before using linezolid, tell your doctor if you have:

• high blood pressure;
• epilepsy or other seizure disorder;
• a thyroid disorder;
• kidney or liver disease; or
• bone marrow suppression or a weak immune system.

Some people have developed a life-threatening condition called lactic acidosis while taking linezolid. You may be more likely to develop lactic acidosis if you have liver or kidney disease, congestive heart failure, or if you drink large amounts of alcohol. Talk with your doctor about your individual risk.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether linezolid is harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

It is not known whether linezolid passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

The oral liquid form of linezolid may contain phenylalanine. Talk to your doctor before using this form of linezolid if you have phenylketonuria (PKU).

How is linezolid used (Zyvox)?

Use this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not use the medication in larger amounts, or use it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Linezolid can be taken with or without food.

Before taking the oral suspension (liquid), gently mix it by turning the bottle upside down 3 to 5 times. Do not shake. Measure the liquid with a special dose-measuring spoon or cup, not a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.

Intravenous linezolid is given as an injection through a needle placed into a vein. The medicine must be given slowly through an IV infusion, and can take up to 2 hours to complete. You may be shown how to use your medicine at home. Do not self-inject this medicine if you do not fully understand how to give the injection and properly dispose of needles, IV tubing, and other items used in giving the medicine.

To be sure linezolid is not causing harmful effects, your blood may need to be tested on a regular basis. Your vision may need to be checked if you use linezolid long-term. Do not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.

Use this medication for the entire length of time prescribed by your doctor. Your symptoms may get better before the infection is completely treated. Linezolid will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.

Store linezolid at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Do not freeze the liquid forms of linezolid. Throw away any unused oral liquid that is more than 21 days old.