Generic Zyvox

Common use

Zyvox is a synthetic oxazolidinones antibiotic and contains a linezolid. It is used against infections caused by Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumonia), Streptococcus pyogenes, Streptococcus agalactiae (skin infections, including diabetic foot infections), Streptococcus pyogenes (skin infections).



Dosage and direction

Take it orally every twelve hours or as directed by your doctor. Intake at evenly spaced intervals is recommended. Take with or without food. Do not stop treatment with Zyvox even if your symptoms improve after a few days, or you may cause propagation of resistant strains. Inform your doctor if your symptoms do not become better in 10 days.



Precautions

Lactic acidosis may develop while taking Zyvox for the period longer than 28 days. Inform your doctor if you experience such symptoms as light-headedness, dizziness, extreme weakness or tiredness, low body temperature, rapid breathing, difficulty breathing, sleepiness, slow or irregular heartbeat, stomach discomfort, muscle pain. Treatment which continues over 28 days may cause blurred vision, change in color perception. Contact your doctor immediately if you find changes in your vision. Liquid formulation of Zyvox contains phenylalanine and can be dangerous for patients with phenylketonuria.

If you take treatment with antidepressants called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), a serotonin syndrome may develop. Its symptoms are: drowsiness, euphoria, rapid muscle contraction and relaxation,dizziness, restlessness, coordination problems, sweating, and fever. Avoid eating too much food with high tyramine content: aged cheese, fermented or air-dried meats (dry sausage, sauerkraut), red wine, tap beers, soy sauce, and any improperly refrigerated protein-rich food. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have hypertension, blood disorders (low blood counts), any allergies, chronic infection.



Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to oxazolidinones antibiotics.



Possible side effect

Diarrhea, headache, nausea, vomiting, trouble sleeping, or rash. In case of unusual side effects like easy bruising or bleeding, severe dizziness, severe headache, vision changes, tingling and numbness of extremities, fever contact your doctor immediately.



Drug interaction

Inform your doctor if you are taking: apraclonidine, brimonidine, buspirone, bethanidine, bupropion, carbamazepine, entacapone, dextromethorphan, herbal products (ma huang), indoramin, papaverine, meperidine, sibutramine, SSRI antidepressants (fluoxetine, citalopram), tolcapone, sympathomimetics (methylphenidate, ephedrine), tricyclic antidepressants (amitriptyline, doxepin), "triptans" ( sumatriptan, zolmitriptan), other antibiotics, other drugs for cancer chemotherapy or others which can depress the bone marrow, other MAO inhibitors (furazolidone, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine), cough-and-cold products, diet aids.



Missed dose

Never take a double dose of this medication. If it is almost time of the next dose just skip the missed portion and continue to take the medicine according to the schedule.



Overdose

Any medication taken in excessive quantities may be dangerous. Notify your doctor immediately in case of a supposed overdose.



Storage

Zyvox should be stored at room temperature between 20-25 C (68-77 F).



Disclaimer

We provide only general information about medications which does not cover all directions, possible drug integrations, or precautions. Information at the site cannot be used for self-treatment and self-diagnosis. Any specific instructions for a particular patient should be agreed with your health care adviser or doctor in charge of the case. We disclaim reliability of this information and mistakes it could contain. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other indirect damage as a result of any use of the information on this site and also for consequences of self-treatment.

Clinical Verification

Last Clinically Updated: August 15, 2026

Written By

Dr. Elena Vance, PharmD

Clinical Specialist in Neuropharmacology

Fact Checked By

Marcus Thorne, MS

Biomedical Data & FDA Label Verification

Medically Reviewed By

Dr. Arthur Campbell, MD

Board-Certified Psychiatrist (ABPN)