ZYVOX is an oxazolidinone ntibiotic that fights bacteria in the body. It works by interfering with the production of proteins needed by bacteria to grow.

ZYVOX is used to treat different types of serious bacterial infections, such as pneumonia, skin infections, and infections that are resistant to other antibiotics.

ZYVOX may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Before taking ZYVOX, tell your doctor if you have high blood pressure, a seizure disorder, a thyroid or adrenal gland disorder, kidney or liver disease, bone marrow suppression, or a weak immune system.
Take ZYVOX for the entire length of time prescribed by your doctor. Your symptoms may get better before the infection is completely treated.

To be sure ZYVOX is not causing harmful effects, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Do not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.

Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you have diarrhea that is watery or has blood in it, call your doctor. Do not use any medicine to stop the diarrhea unless your doctor has told you to.

While you are using ZYVOX, avoid taking an "SSRI" antidepressant without telling your doctor. This includes Celexa, Lexapro, Prozac, Luvox, Paxil, or Zoloft. Taking an SSRI antidepressant together with ZYVOX can cause symptoms such as anxiety, high fever, sweating, chills or goosebumps, memory problems, trouble concentrating, loss of coordination, or muscle spasms.
Eating tyramine while you are taking ZYVOX 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.

You should become very familiar with the list of foods you must avoid while you are taking ZYVOX.

ZYVOX may cause lactic acidosis (the build up of lactic acid in the body). Lactic acidosis can start slowly and gradually get worse. Symptoms include unusual muscle pain and weakness, trouble breathing, fast or uneven heart rate, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, and numbness or cold feeling in your arms or legs. Contact your doctor at once if you have any of these symptoms, even if they are only mild. Early signs of lactic acidosis generally get worse over time and this condition can be fatal. Do not use ZYVOX if you are allergic to linezolid.

Before taking ZYVOX, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

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

If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use ZYVOX, or you may need dosage adjustments or special tests during treatment.
FDA pregnancy category C. ZYVOX may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether ZYVOX passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use ZYVOX without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

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