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 other than those 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.

Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

• pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness;
• fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms;
• diarrhea that is watery or bloody;
• blurred vision, trouble seeing colors
• numbness, burning, pain, or tingly feeling in your hands or feet;
• seizure (convulsions); or
• lactic acidosis - 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.

Less serious side effects may include:

• headache, dizziness;
• nausea, vomiting, constipation, stomach pain or upset;
• sleep problems (insomnia);
• mild rash or itching;
• 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 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 buspirone (BuSpar), meperidine (Demerol), a diet pill or other stimulant, pseudoephedrine (a decongestant), ADHD medication such as Adderall or Dexedrine, migraine or cluster headache medications ("triptans") such as Imitrex or Zomig and others, medication to treat Parkinson's disease or restless leg syndrome, or an antidepressant such as Celexa, Prozac, Paxil, Zoloft, and others.

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.

Before using linezolid, tell your doctor if you have high blood pressure, a seizure disorder, kidney or liver disease, bone marrow suppression, or a weak immune system.

Eating tyramine while you are using linezolid can raise your blood pressure to dangerous levels. Avoid foods that have a high level of tyramine, such as aged cheeses or meats, pickled or fermented meats, smoked or air-dried meats, sauerkraut, soy sauce, tap beer, red wine, or any meat, cheese, or other protein-based food that has been improperly stored.

Some people have developed a life-threatening condition called lactic acidosis while taking linezolid. Early signs of lactic acidosis generally get worse over time and this condition can be fatal. Get emergency medical help if you have even mild symptoms of lactic acidosis, 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.