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What is Zyvox
 Zyvox
is an antibiotic in a class of drugs called oxazolidinone
antibiotics. Zyvox fights bacteria in the body.
Zyvox
is used to treat different types of bacterial infections,
such pneumonia and skin infections caused by bacteria. Zyvox
is often used to treat infections that may not respond to
other antibiotics.
Zyvox
may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this
medication guide.
General medical information about Zyvox
Foods that have a high level of tyramine can cause
a severe reaction when consumed during treatment with Zyvox.
Symptoms may include severe headache, large pupils, neck
stiffness, nausea, vomiting, sweating, irregular heartbeats,
chest pain, and death. Call your doctor immediately if you
experience any of these symptoms. The following foods contain
high levels of tyramine and should be avoided:
-
cheeses, including American, Blue, Boursault, Brick, Brie,
Camembert, Cheddar, Emmenthaler, Gruyere, Mozzarella, Parmesan,
Romano, Roquefort, Stilton, and Swiss;
- fermented
or air-dried meats;
- sauerkraut;
- soy sauce;
and
- tap beer (alcoholic and nonalcoholic), red
wine (especially Chianti), sherry, vermouth, and other distilled
spirits.
Blood problems (low levels of red and white
blood cells) have been reported with the use of Zyvox. Your
doctor may want to monitor your blood with periodic blood
tests during treatment with this medication.
In some
cases, use of Zyvox has been associated with the development
of lactic acidosis (increased acidity of the blood). Notify
your doctor immediately if you develop severe or recurrent
nausea or vomiting, which may be signs of lactic acidosis.
As with all antibiotics, pseudomembranous colitis
(inflammation of the intestines) has been reported with
the use of Zyvox. Contact your doctor immediately if you
develop diarrhea during treatment with Zyvox.
Take
all of the Zyvox that has been prescribed for you even if
you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may start to improve
before the infection is completely treated.
What you should find out before taking
Zyvox
Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if
you:
- have had an allergic reaction to Zyvox;
-
have uncontrolled high blood pressure;
- have carcinoid
syndrome;
- have untreated hyperthyroidism;
-
have pheochromocytoma;
- have kidney disease;
-
have liver disease;
- have bone marrow suppression
or are taking a medication that can affect bone marrow or
blood cells;
- are taking a psychiatric medicine
such as venlafaxine (Effexor), nefazodone (Serzone), amitriptyline
(Elavil, Endep), amoxapine (Asendin), imipramine (Tofranil),
nortriptyline (Pamelor), doxepin (Sinequan), fluoxetine
(Prozac), sertraline (Zoloft), paroxetine (Paxil), mirtazapine
(Remeron), citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram (Lexapro),
and others;
- are taking a migraine medicine such
as almotriptan (Axert), frovatriptan (Frova), eletriptan
(Relpax), naratriptan (Amerge), rizatriptan (Maxalt), sumatriptan
(Imitrex), or zolmitriptan (Zomig); or
- are taking
a decongestant or diet aid that contains ingredients such
as phenylpropanolamine, pseudoephedrine, ephedrine, phenylephrine,
and others.
You may not be able to take Zyvox , or
you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring
during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed
above.
The suspension form of this medication contains
phenylalanine. People with the disease phenylketonuria (PKU)
may need to monitor their intake of this additive.
Zyvox is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that
it is not known whether Zyvox will be harmful to an unborn
baby. Do not take an Zyvox without first talking to your
doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during
treatment.
It is not known whether Zyvox passes into
breast milk. Do not take an Zyvox without first talking
to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should take Zyvox Take Zyvox exactly as directed by your doctor. If
you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist,
nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
Take each
dose with a full glass of water.
Zyvox can be taken
with or without food.
Before taking the suspension,
gently mix it by turning the bottle upside down 3 to 5 times.
Do not shake. To ensure that you get a correct dose, measure
the suspension with a dose-measuring dropper, cup, or spoon,
not a regular table spoon. Ask your pharmacist for a dose-measuring
device if you do not have one.
Blood problems (low
levels of red and white blood cells) have been reported
with the use of Zyvox. Your doctor may want to monitor your
blood with periodic blood tests during treatment with this
medication.
Take all of the Zyvox that has been prescribed
for you even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms
may start to improve before the infection is completely
treated.
It is important to take Zyvox regularly
to get the most benefit.
Store Zyvox at room temperature
away from moisture and heat. Use the suspension within 21
days.
If you miss a dose: Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However,
if it is almost time for your next regularly scheduled dose,
skip the missed dose and take only the next one as directed.
Do not take a double dose of this medication.
What happens if you overdose: Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is
suspected.
Symptoms of a Zyvox overdose are unknown
but may include decreased activity and difficulty with coordination.
Avoid while taking Zyvox Foods that have a high level of tyramine can cause
a severe reaction when consumed during treatment with Zyvox.
Symptoms may include severe headache, large pupils, neck
stiffness, nausea, vomiting, sweating, irregular heartbeats,
chest pain, and death. Call your doctor immediately if you
experience any of these symptoms. The following foods contain
high levels of tyramine and should be avoided:
-
cheeses, including American, Blue, Boursault, Brick, Brie,
Camembert, Cheddar, Emmenthaler, Gruyere, Mozzarella, Parmesan,
Romano, Roquefort, Stilton, and Swiss;
- fermented
or air-dried meats;
- sauerkraut;
- soy sauce;
and
- tap beer (alcoholic and nonalcoholic), red
wine (especially Chianti), sherry, vermouth, and other distilled
spirits.
Do not take any other prescription or over-the-counter
medicines without first talking to your doctor during treatment
with Zyvox. Many other medications can interact with Zyvox,
possibly resulting in dangerous side effects.
Possible side effects of Zyvox If you experience any of the following serious side
effects, stop taking Zyvox and seek emergency medical attention
or contact your doctor immediately:
- an allergic
reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat;
swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
-
bleeding or bruising; or
- fever with confusion.
Blood problems (low levels of red and white blood
cells) have been reported with the use of Zyvox. Your doctor
may want to monitor your blood with periodic blood tests
during treatment with this medication.
In some cases,
use of Zyvox has been associated with the development of
lactic acidosis (increased acidity of the blood). Notify
your doctor immediately if you develop severe or recurrent
nausea or vomiting, which may be signs of lactic acidosis.
As with all antibiotics, pseudomembranous colitis
(inflammation of the intestines) has been reported with
the use of Zyvox. Contact your doctor immediately if you
develop diarrhea during treatment with Zyvox.
Other,
less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Talk
to your doctor about any side effects you experience, including
the following:
- headache;
- nausea or vomiting;
- insomnia;
- constipation;
- rash;
- dizziness;
- tongue discoloration;
-
taste alteration; or
- yeast infection in the mouth.
Side effects other than those listed here may also
occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems
unusual or that is especially bothersome.
What other drugs will affect Zyvox Zyvox can interact with many other drugs, and the
interactions may lead to serious side effects. Do not take
Zyvox with any of the following medicines without first
talking to your doctor:
- a psychiatric medicine
such as venlafaxine (Effexor), nefazodone (Serzone), amitriptyline
(Elavil, Endep), amoxapine (Asendin), imipramine (Tofranil),
nortriptyline (Pamelor), doxepin (Sinequan), fluoxetine
(Prozac), sertraline (Zoloft), paroxetine (Paxil), mirtazapine
(Remeron), citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram (Lexapro),
and others;
- a migraine medicine such as almotriptan
(Axert), eletriptan (Relpax), frovatriptan (Frova), naratriptan
(Amerge), rizatriptan (Maxalt), sumatriptan (Imitrex), or
zolmitriptan (Zomig); or
- a decongestant or diet
aid that contains ingredients such as phenylpropanolamine,
pseudoephedrine, ephedrine, phenylephrine, and others ,
found in many prescription and over-the-counter cough and
cold products and diet aids.
Drugs
other than those listed here may also interact with Zyvox.
Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription
or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals,
and herbal products. |
