Zyvox, also known as linezolid, was approved by the Food & Drug Administration in April 2000. Zyvox belongs to a new class of
antibiotics called oxazolidinones, which are designed to attack
bacteria by blocking protein production. Zyvox was approved for use in treating pneumonia,
skin disorders and "superbugs." Superbugs are bacteria that genetically mutate to resist conventional antibiotics.
A recent study conducted at the University of Illinois College of Medicine found that Zyvox may not be as effective against superbugs as originally anticipated. The drug failed to save the lives of three people infected with the superbug vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus, or VRE.
Zyvox is manufactured by Pharmacia Corporation.
See Also
- Antibiotics