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Zyvox vs. Daptomycin

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Linezolid (Zyvox) and daptomycin (Cubicin) are both antibiotics used to treat serious bacterial infections, but they have some key differences. Linezolid is an oxazolidinone antibiotic available in oral and injectable forms, while daptomycin is a cyclic lipopeptide antibiotic given only by injection. Linezolid is used for pneumonia, skin infections, and vancomycin-resistant *Enterococcus faecium* (VRE) infections, whereas daptomycin is used for skin infections and bloodstream infections caused by *Staphylococcus aureus* (staph), but not for pneumonia. Linezolid can be taken every 8 to 12 hours, while daptomycin is typically given once daily. Linezolid has a risk of serotonin syndrome when taken with certain other medications, and it interacts with foods high in tyramine. Daptomycin, on the other hand, can cause a serious muscle problem called rhabdomyolysis and is not recommended for people with severe kidney problems. Both antibiotics can cause diarrhea and have rare but serious side effects, such as nerve damage and *Clostridioides difficile* (C. diff) infection.

Linezolid

(Zyvox)

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Daptomycin

(Cubicin)

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Summary for Zyvox

Prescription only

Linezolid (Zyvox) is an oxazolidinone antibiotic that's used to treat adults and children with certain bacterial infections, such as pneumonia and skin infections. This antibiotic can help fight hard-to-treat infections caused by certain bacteria, such as MRSA and VRE. Linezolid (Zyvox) is available as a tablet, powder for suspension, and injection. It's typically taken every 8 or 12 hours. Some side effects include nausea, diarrhea, and headache. This antibiotic also has a rare but serious risk for serotonin syndrome from interactions with medications like antidepressants.

Indications for Zyvox

Pros and Cons for Zyvox

Pros

  • Good choice for treating infections caused by resistant bacteria like MRSA and VRE
  • Available as a tablet, powder for suspension, and injection
  • Can be used in people with kidney or liver problems

Cons

  • Need to take every 8 or 12 hours, depending on your age and infection
  • Can raise the risk of serotonin syndrome when taken with other medications that affect serotonin levels in the body
  • Interacts with some foods, such as aged cheeses, cured meats, and pickled foods

Common Side Effects for Zyvox

Adults

  • Diarrhea (8%)
  • Nausea (7%)
  • Headache (6%)

Children

  • Diarrhea (11%)
  • Vomiting (9%)
  • Anemia (low red blood cell count; 6%)
  • Low platelets (up to 5%)

Warnings for Zyvox

  • Low blood cell counts
  • Nerve and eye damage
  • Serotonin syndrome
  • Diarrhea from Clostridioides difficile infection
  • Buildup of lactic acid in the blood (lactic acidosis)
  • Seizures
  • Low blood sugar
  • Low blood sodium levels
  • Caution use in people with phenylketonuria (PKU) - powder for suspension form only

Summary for Daptomycin

Prescription only

Daptomycin (Cubicin) is an antibiotic that treats certain serious skin infections and bloodstream infections. It can fight against some bacteria that are hard to treat, such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Daptomycin (Cubicin) is given as a quick intravenous (IV) injection over a 2-minute period or as an IV infusion over a 30-to-60 minute period. The dosing depends on your age, weight, kidney function, the type of infection you have, and how severe it is. Common side effects include headache and diarrhea.

Indications for Daptomycin

Pros and Cons for Daptomycin

Pros

  • Good at treating serious skin and bloodstream infections caused by Staphylococcus bacteria ("staph" infections)
  • Can use to treat children as young as 1 year of age
  • Given once per day

Cons

  • Needs to be given as an IV infusion over a 30-to-60 minute period
  • Not the best option for people who have severe kidney problems
  • Can cause a serious muscle problem called rhabdomyolysis

Common Side Effects for Daptomycin

  • Diarrhea (5%)
  • Headache (5%)
  • Rash (4%)
  • Abnormal liver function tests (3%)
  • Dizziness (2%)
  • Urinary tract infections (2%)
  • Low blood pressure (2%)
  • Shortness of breath (2%)

Warnings for Daptomycin

  • Severe allergic reactions
  • Muscle pain and severe muscle damage
  • Kidney damage
  • Pneumonia
  • Nerve damage
  • Diarrhea from Clostridioides difficile infection
  • Development of drug-resistant bacteria

Prices with our coupons for Zyvox vs. Daptomycin

Price Card Drug Icon
Linezolid20 tablets / 600mg
$43.89$2,387.62
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Price Card Drug Icon
Daptomycin7 vials / 500mg
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