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Unless patients are carefully observed for signs and/or symptoms of serotonin syndrome, ZYVOX should not be administered to patients with carcinoid syndrome and/or patients taking any of the following medications:
  • Serotonin reuptake inhibitors
  • Tricyclic antidepressants
  • Serotonin 5‑HT1 receptor agonists (triptans)
  • Meperidine
  • Buspirone
The most commonly reported drug-related adverse events in adults across phase 3 clinical trials were diarrhea, nausea, and headache.*

Safety Chart
*Does not include the 2 phase 3 uncomplicated skin and soft tissue infection studies (n=548 ZYVOX patients; n=537 clarithromycin patients).

Comparators included cefpodoxime proxetil 200 mg oral q12h; ceftriaxone 1 g IV q12h; dicloxacillin 500 mg oral q6h; oxacillin 2 g IV q6h; vancomycin 1 g IV q12h.

ZYVOX offers an established safety profile in special populations:
  • Patients with renal insufficiency
  • Patients with mild-to-moderate hepatic impairment
  • Elderly patients
  • Pediatric patients


Clostridium difficile associated diarrhea has been reported with use of nearly all antibacterial agents, including ZYVOX, and may range in severity from mild diarrhea to fatal colitis.

Unless patients are carefully observed for signs and/or symptoms of serotonin syndrome, ZYVOX should not be administered to patients with carcinoid syndrome and/or patients taking any of the following medications: serotonin reuptake inhibitors, tricyclic antidepressants, serotonin 5-HT1 receptor agonists, meperidine, or buspirone.

ZYVOX formulations are indicated in the treatment of the following infections caused by susceptible strains of the designated microorganisms. ZYVOX is not indicated for the treatment of Gram-negative infections. It is critical that specific Gram-negative therapy be initiated immediately if a concomitant Gram-negative pathogen is documented or suspected.

Nosocomial pneumonia caused by Staphylococcus aureus (methicillin-susceptible and -resistant strains) or Streptococcus pneumoniae.

Complicated skin and skin structure infections, including diabetic foot infections, without concomitant osteomyelitis, caused by Staphylococcus aureus (methicillin-susceptible and -resistant strains), Streptococcus pyogenes, or Streptococcus agalactiae. ZYVOX has not been studied in the treatment of decubitus ulcers.

ZYVOX use is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to linezolid or any of the other product components.

ZYVOX should not be used in patients taking any medicinal product which inhibits monoamine oxidases A or B (e.g. phenelzine, isocarboxazid) or within 2 weeks of taking any such product.

Unless patients are monitored for potential increases in blood pressure, ZYVOX should not be administered to patients with uncontrolled hypertension, pheochromocytoma, thyrotoxicosis and/or patients taking any of the following: directly and indirectly acting sympathomimetic, vasopressive, and dopaminergic agents.

Spontaneous reports of serotonin syndrome have been reported with the coadministration of ZYVOX and serotonergic agents. If signs or symptoms of serotonin syndrome, such as cognitive dysfunction, hyperpyrexia, hyperreflexia, and incoordination occur, discontinuation of one or both agents should be considered.

Myelosuppression (including anemia, leukopenia, pancytopenia, and thrombocytopenia) has been reported in patients receiving ZYVOX. In cases where the outcome is known, when ZYVOX was discontinued, the affected hematologic parameters returned to pretreatment levels. Complete blood counts should be monitored weekly, particularly in patients who receive ZYVOX for longer than 2 weeks.

ZYVOX is not approved and should not be used for the treatment of patients with catheter-related bloodstream infections or catheter-site infections.

ZYVOX has no clinical activity against Gram-negative pathogens and is not indicated for the treatment of Gram-negative infections. It is critical that specific Gram-negative therapy be initiated immediately if a concomitant Gram-negative pathogen is documented or suspected.

Lactic acidosis has been reported with the use of ZYVOX. Patients receiving ZYVOX who develop recurrent nausea, vomiting, unexplained acidosis, or a low bicarbonate level should receive immediate medical evaluation.

Peripheral and optic neuropathy have been reported primarily in patients treated with ZYVOX for longer than the maximum recommended duration of 28 days. If patients experience symptoms of visual impairment, prompt ophthalmic evaluation is recommended.

Convulsions have been reported in patients treated with ZYVOX. In some of these cases, a history of seizures or risk factors for seizures was reported.

The most commonly reported adverse events in adults across phase 3 clinical trials were diarrhea, nausea, and headache.




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