Linezolid (generic name), brand name Zyvox, is a man-made (synthetic) antibiotic that is prescribed for the treatment of a variety of bacterial infections, for example:
- Pneumonia and uncomplicated skin and structure infections caused by Staphylococcus Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, and Streptococcus agalactiae bacteria.
- Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium bacterial infections.
Common side effects include of linezolid:
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Insomnia
- Unpleasant taste in the mouth
- Changes in the color of the tongue
- Vaginal itching or discharge
- Oral thrush
- Nausea
- Vomiting
Other possible side effects include:
- Dizziness
- Abdominal pain
- Stools that are loose
- Itching
- Eosinophilia
Linezolid has possible serious side effects that include:
- Serious allergic reactions
- Serotonin syndrome
- Vision impairment
- Thrombocytopenia
- Peripheral neuropathy
Other serious side effects may occur with linezolid. The recommended dosage for linezolid depends upon the type of infection being treated. Linezolid interacts with several drugs including monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) and other types of antidepressants, and St. John Wort’s. High levels of serotonin in the blood may cause adverse events like confusion, high blood pressure, tremor, hyperactivity, coma, and death. Consult your doctor or pharmacist with any questions about Linezolid.
REFERENCE: FDA Prescribing Information for linezolid.