Zyvox vs. Penicillin-VK

Penicillin V potassium (penicillin VK) and vancomycin are antibiotics used to treat mild to moderately severe infections due to susceptible Gram-positive infections.

Vancomycin is also used to treat Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea.

Side effects of Penicillin VK and vancomycin that are similar include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.

Side effects of Penicillin VK that are different from vancomycin include stomach upset, skin rash, hives, itching, and black "hairy" tongue.

Side effects of vancomycin that are different from Penicillin VK include low blood potassium (hypokalemia), gas, fever, swelling of extremities, fatigue, urinary tract infections (UTIs), back pain, and headache.

Both Penicillin VK and vancomycin may interact with other drugs.

Common side effects of Zyvox include:

• diarrhea,
• nausea,
• vomiting,
• headache,
• sleep problems (insomnia),
• constipation,
• dizziness,
• discolored tongue,
• unusual or unpleasant taste in the mouth,
• vaginal itching or discharge, or
• yeast infection in the mouth (oral thrush).

Severe side effects of Zyvox include:

• severe diarrhea or diarrhea that is watery or bloody,
• fungal infections,
• low platelet count (thrombocytopenia),
• myelosuppression,
• serotonin syndrome,
• nerve problems,
• skin swelling (angioedema),
• fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms, sores in your mouth and throat,
• easy bruising or bleeding, pale skin, lightheadedness, shortness of breath, rapid heart rate, trouble concentrating,
• blurred vision, trouble seeing color,
• numbness, burning pain, or tingly feeling in your hands or feet,
• seizures (convulsions), or
• low blood sugar (headache, hunger, weakness, sweating, confusion, irritability, dizziness, fast heart rate, or feeling jittery).

Common side effects of Penicillin-VK include:

• nausea,
• vomiting,
• diarrhea,
• abdominal pain,
• stomach upset,
• skin rash,
• hives,
• itching, and
• black "hairy" tongue.

Patients with a history of allergic reactions to other penicillins should not receive penicillin VK. Serious but rare reactions to penicillin VK include:

• seizures,
• severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis), and
• low platelet or red blood cell count.

Penicillin VK can alter the normal bacteria in the colon and allow overgrowth of some bacteria such as Clostridium difficile, which causes inflammation of the colon (pseudomembranous colitis).

Zyvox (linezolid) is an antibacterial drug used to treat susceptible Gram-positive infections (for example, Staphylococcus and Streptococcus spp.). Zyvox is available in other countries under the generic name linezolid.

Penicillin V potassium (penicillin VK) is an antibiotic used to treat mild to moderately severe infections due to penicillin G-sensitive microorganisms. Penicillin VK is available in generic form.

Zyvox may interact with MAO inhibitors, meperidine, diet pills, stimulants, cold or allergy medicines, ADHD medications, migraine or cluster headache medications, medications to treat Parkinson's disease or restless leg syndrome, antidepressants, or other medications used to treat depression, anxiety, and other psychiatric conditions. Tell your doctor all medications and supplements you use.

Benemid (Probenecid) causes an increase in the level of penicillin VK in the blood by reducing the elimination of penicillin by the kidneys. Penicillin VK is considered safe during pregnancy. Penicillin VK is excreted in breast milk and may cause diarrhea or allergic responses in nursing infants.

Zyvox (linezolid) is available in an IV form (strength is 2mg per ml), in tablets (strengths of 400 and 600mg) and in an oral suspension (strength is 100mg per 5ml). Dose depends on the form of the drug used, the type of infection and if the drug is used to treat children or adults; the treating doctor should determine the dose. This drug is not to be used to treat Gram-negative bacterial infections. Zyvox has been used in the pediatric population with weight-adjusted dosing.

The usual adult dose of penicillin VK is 125 to 500 mg every 6-8 hours.