Zyvox (Linezolid) Dosages: Your GoodRx Guide
Key takeaways:
Zyvox (linezolid) is a prescription antibiotic medication. It’s used to treat a variety of infections, including those involving the lungs, skin, and blood.
Zyvox is available as an IV injection, an oral liquid, and an oral tablet. Your Zyvox dosage depends on the infection you’re treating and your age. It’s typically administered every 8 to 12 hours for 10 to 28 days, depending on these factors.
There are ways to save on Zyvox, which comes as a brand-name medication and lower-cost generics. With GoodRx discounts, you could save over 80% off the average retail price of the generic version.
Table of contents
If you have a certain type of bacterial infection, you may be prescribed an antibiotic called Zyvox (linezolid). You might receive it as an IV infusion in the hospital. Zyvox can also be taken at home as a tablet or an oral suspension.
Zyvox is used to treat several infectious diseases, especially those that are resistant to certain other antibiotics. A healthcare professional will determine how you should take Zyvox and for how long. Let’s look at common Zyvox dosages and what factors may affect your dosage.
Zyvox dosage forms
Zyvox is available in three dosage forms:
IV injection (200 mg/100 mL or 600 mg/300 mL)
Oral liquid (100 mg per 5 mL)
Oral tablets (600 mg)
The IV formulation is given to you by a healthcare professional. The oral tablets should be swallowed whole — don’t cut, crush, or chew them. If you have difficulty swallowing pills, your prescriber may have you take the oral suspension.
The oral liquid will be prepared for you by a pharmacist. They will instruct you on how much liquid to take for each dose. Don’t shake the bottle before use. Instead, gently invert it 3 to 5 times. Store the medication at room temperature, and use it within 3 weeks.
What’s the typical Zyvox dosage for adults?
The Zyvox dosage for adults depends on the infection being treated. The dosages detailed below are recommended by the manufacturer. It’s possible that your prescriber may have you take Zyvox differently. Keep in mind that you should finish the entire course of Zyvox, even if you’re feeling better.
Pneumonia
Zyvox is approved to treat pneumonia, whether it was acquired in a healthcare setting (nosocomial pneumonia) or outside a healthcare setting (community-acquired pneumonia). The typical Zyvox dosage for pneumonia in adults is 600 mg by mouth or IV infusion every 12 hours for 10 to 14 days.
Skin infections
Zyvox is approved to treat uncomplicated and complicated skin infections. The typical Zyvox dosage for uncomplicated skin infections in adults is 400 mg by mouth every 12 hours. For complicated skin infections, the dosage is 600 mg by mouth or IV infusion every 12 hours. The treatment course for skin infections is usually 10 to 14 days.
Enterococcal infections
Enterococcus bacteria can cause serious infections. Zyvox is used to treat enterococcal infections that are resistant to another antibiotic called vancomycin. Vancomycin-resistant Enterococci (VRE) infections typically require a longer Zyvox treatment duration. The usual adult dosage is 600 mg by mouth or IV infusion every 12 hours for 14 to 28 days.
Zyvox side effects: Are you experiencing diarrhea while taking Zyvox? Here’s what you should know about Zyvox side effects and when to contact your prescriber.
Zyvox interactions: Learn more about potential Zyvox interactions, from decongestants and antidepressants to certain foods.
Nausea from antibiotics: Some antibiotics are known to make you feel queasy. Here are some of the best foods you can eat to fight off nausea while taking them.
What’s the typical Zyvox dosage for children?
The Zyvox dosage for children depends on the child’s age and body weight. Since there are more factors to consider with children, we’ll look at the dosages in easy-to-read charts.
Pneumonia
The recommended Zyvox dosage for treating pneumonia in children is as follows:
Age | Dosage | Duration |
Birth to 11 years old | 10 mg/kg by mouth or IV infusion every 8 hours | 10 to 14 days |
12 years and older | 600 mg by mouth or IV infusion every 12 hours | 10 to 14 days |
Skin infections
Just like with adults, uncomplicated skin infections in children are normally treated with oral Zyvox. The typical dosages are based on the age below:
Age | Dosage | Duration |
Less than 5 years old | 10 mg/kg by mouth every 8 hours | 10 to 14 days |
5 to 11 years old | 10 mg/kg by mouth every 12 hours | 10 to 14 days |
12 to 17 years old | 600 mg by mouth every 12 hours | 10 to 14 days |
Complicated skin infections in children may be treated using the dosages listed above for treating pneumonia.
Enterococcal infections
VRE infections in children also require a longer treatment course, as detailed in the table below.
Age | Dosage | Duration |
Birth to 11 years old | 10 mg/kg by mouth or IV infusion every 8 hours | 14 to 28 days |
12 years and older | 600 mg by mouth or IV infusion every 12 hours | 14 to 28 days |
Are there dosage adjustments for health conditions or interactions?
There are no dosage adjustments recommended if you have kidney problems. But if you regularly receive dialysis, your prescriber may advise you to take Zyvox after dialysis. If you have severe kidney damage, you may be more likely to have certain side effects.
Zyvox dosage adjustments are also not recommended if you have mild or moderate liver impairment. But you may be more likely to experience certain side effects if you have moderate to severe liver damage.
Zyvox has a number of serious interactions, including medications and foods. Ensure your healthcare team has your medication list to check for these. They can use that information to help determine if Zyvox is a good choice for you.
What happens if you miss a dose of Zyvox?
Zyvox is used to treat serious infections. If you don’t take it as prescribed, such as missing doses or stopping it early, your infection may not be adequately treated. Your infection could come back and be harder to treat.
But if you forget to take a Zyvox dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed — don’t double up your dose. Ask a healthcare professional about instructions for missed doses.
If you have any trouble remembering to take Zyvox, try a medication adherence tool, such as calendar alerts or a medication reminder app.
What should you do if you take too much Zyvox?
Taking too much Zyvox may put you at increased risk of serious side effects. These can include serotonin syndrome (too much serotonin in the body) or low blood counts. Symptoms of serotonin syndrome include sweating, tremors (shakiness), and a fast heartbeat.
If you may have taken too much Zyvox, contact your prescriber right away. You can also call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222. Go to the ER if symptoms feel severe or life-threatening.
How to save on Zyvox
There are ways to save on Zyvox, which is available as a brand-name medication and lower-cost generics.
With a free GoodRx discount, you could save more than 80% off the average retail price of the generic version. At certain pharmacies, you could pay as little as $44.64 for the tablets or $179.19for the oral suspension.
The bottom line
Zyvox (linezolid) is an antibiotic used to treat certain infections. It’s available as an IV injection, a tablet, and an oral liquid. The typical Zyvox dosage can depend on the infection being treated, your age, and your body weight.
Follow your prescriber’s dosage instructions carefully. If you have questions about Zyvox or your dosage, ask a healthcare professional.
Why trust our experts?
References
Azzouz, A., et al. (2024). Linezolid. StatPearls.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Vancomycin-resistant Enterococci (VRE) basics.
MedlinePlus. (2024). Linezolid.
Pharmacia & Upjohn Company. (2024). Zyvox [package insert].
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