Zyvox

If you have a serious bacterial infection such as pneumonia, your healthcare provider may recommend an antibiotic called Zyvox. This prescription drug is usually taken twice a day, and it comes in many forms, including tablets, liquid suspension, and IV injection. Although most people tolerate it well, it has been known to cause side effects such as diarrhea, nausea, and headache.

What Is Zyvox?

Zyvox® (linezolid) is an antibiotic licensed to treat a variety of serious infections, including pneumonia and certain types of skin infections. This medication comes in the form of a tablet, liquid suspension (for oral use), and intravenous (IV) injection.
 
(Click Zyvox Uses for more information on this topic, including possible off-label uses.)
 

Who Makes This Medication?

Zyvox is made by Fresenius Kabi Norge AS for Pharmacia & Upjohn Co., a division of Pfizer, Inc.
 

How Does Zyvox Work?

Zyvox belongs to the oxazolidinone class of antibiotics. It works by attaching to bacterial ribosomes (ribosomes are parts of cells that make protein).
 
Specifically, Zyvox binds to the 50S subunit of the bacterial ribosome and prevents it from going on to make proteins, which are necessary for bacteria to grow and multiply. By preventing bacteria from making proteins, this drug stops bacteria from growing (this is known as being bacteriostatic) -- at the same time, Zyvox kills bacteria (this is known as being bactericidal).
 
Because human ribosomes do not have 50S subunits, Zyvox does not interfere with protein formation in humans.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Susan Lakey, PharmD, MPH
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD
 
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