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Compare Zyvox vs. Vancomycin

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

Key takeaways

Linezolid (Zyvox) and vancomycin are both antibiotics used to treat serious bacterial infections, but they have some key differences. Linezolid is an oxazolidinone antibiotic available in oral, suspension, and injection forms, while vancomycin is a glycopeptide antibiotic given availible in injection. Linezolid is typically taken every 8 to 12 hours and can treat infections like pneumonia and MRSA, but it has a risk of serotonin syndrome when taken with certain medications. Vancomycin is usually given 2 to 4 times a day and is used for infections like bloodstream, heart infections, and MRSA, but it requires regular blood work to monitor kidney health and can cause vancomycin flushing syndrome if infused too quickly. Linezolid can be used in people with kidney or liver problems, whereas vancomycin can cause kidney damage, especially in those with pre-existing kidney issues. Both medications have serious side effects, but linezolid also interacts with certain foods, like aged cheeses and cured meats, which can raise blood pressure.

  • Linezolid (Zyvox)
    Vancomycin injection
  • Linezolid (Zyvox)
    Vancomycin injection

  • Summary of Zyvox vs. Vancomycin

    Summary for Oxazolidinone antibiotic
    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.

    Summary for Glycopeptide
    Prescription only

    Vancomycin injection is an antibiotic medication used to treat different serious infections, including those that affect your bloodstream and heart. It's given by a healthcare provider as an intravenous (IV) infusion, typically 2 to 4 times a day depending on the type of infection. Your provider will check vancomycin levels through blood work and adjust your dose if needed. One possible side effect of vancomycin injection is vancomycin flushing syndrome (previously known as red man syndrome), a serious allergic reaction that can happen if you receive the infusion too quickly.

  • Indications of Zyvox vs. Vancomycin

    Indications for
    •Pneumonia
    •Skin infections (e.g., cellulitis, foot infection related to diabetes)
    •Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium (VRE) infections
    Indications for

    Treatment of certain serious bacterial infections, including:

    •Bloodstream infection (septicemia)
    •Heart infection (infective endocarditis)
    •Skin infections
    •Bone infections (osteomyelitis)
    •Lung infections (lower respiratory tract infections)

  • Pros and Cons of Zyvox vs. Vancomycin

    Pros and Const for Oxazolidinone antibiotic
    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
    Pros and Const for Glycopeptide
    Pros
    •Can treat certain hard-to-treat infections
    •Can be given to children younger than 1 month of age
    •A possible option for people with penicillin allergy
    Cons
    •Can raise the risk of kidney damage
    •Need regular blood work and lab tests to check for appropriate dose and side effects
    •Risk of serious allergic reactions if injected into the veins too quickly

  • Common Side Effects of Zyvox vs. Vancomycin

    Common Side Effects for

    Adults

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

    Children

    •Diarrhea (11%)
    •Vomiting (9%)
    •Anemia (low red blood cell count; 6%)
    •Low platelets (up to 5%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Pain and redness at the injection site

  • Warnings of Zyvox vs. Vancomycin

    Common Side Effects for
    •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
    Common Side Effects for
    •Sudden kidney problems
    •Hearing problems
    •Severe skin reactions
    •Infusion-related reactions
    •Risk of low white blood cells
    •Severe infectious diarrhea

  • Prices with our coupons for Zyvox vs. Vancomycin

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