Zyvox is the brand name of the generic drug linezolid. Drugs.com reports that Zyvox is an antibiotic used to fight infections in the body. Zyvox may be used to treat bacterial infections like pneumonia and skin infections as well as infections resistant to other antibiotics. It is available in liquid and tablet form and may also be given intravenously. Patients should ask their doctors about possible side effects of taking Zyvox, as some severe effects have been noted.
Bone Marrow Suppression
Bone marrow suppression has been reported in patients taking Zyvox, according to RxList.com. Bone marrow suppression is a decrease in the production of blood cells, including red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. Blood levels should be monitored weekly in patients receiving Zyvox, notes RxList.com. In patients developing bone marrow suppression or who have worsening bone marrow suppression, discontinuation of Zyvox may be necessary.
Abnormal Liver Function
RxList.com reports that some patients may develop abnormal liver functions while taking Zyvox. Symptoms of persistent nausea and vomiting, muscle pain or weakness, dizziness, or altered liver function blood tests may be a sign of impaired liver function. Impaired liver function may be a cause for discontinuation of Zyvox therapy.
Peripheral and Optic Neuropathy
Drugs.com reports that peripheral and optic neuropathy may occur while taking Zyvox. Peripheral neuropathy is pain, numbness, weakness, and tingling in the hands and/or feet. Optic neuropathy is damage to the optic nerve and includes symptoms of blurred vision and difficulty seeing colors. In rare cases, optic neuropathy may lead to loss of vision, notes Drugs.com. If peripheral or optic neuropathy occurs, discontinuation of Zyvox may be necessary.
Drug Interaction
Patients taking monoamine oxidase inhibitor drugs, or MAOIs, should not be prescribed Zyvox due to the potential for a life-threatening drug interaction, according to RxList.com. Some MAOIs include medications like isocarboxazid, phenelzine, rasagiline and selegiline. In addition, patients taking antidepressants of the drug class selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs, should not be prescribed Zyvox. Taking an SSRI while taking Zyvox can lead to anxiety, high fever, sweating, chills, memory impairment, loss of coordination and muscle spasms, notes RxList.com.
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