What is Linezolid?
Linezolid (Linezolid) is an antibiotic that fights bacteria in the body. Linezolid is also an MAO (monoamine oxidase) inhibitor.
Linezolid is used to treat different types of bacterial infections, such as pneumonia, skin infections, and infections that are resistant to other antibiotics.
Linezolid may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Linezolid indications
Linezolid Tablets are indicated for the treatment of infections caused by susceptible strains of the designated microorganisms in the specific conditions listed below. Linezolid Tablets are not indicated for the treatment of Gram-negative infections. It is critical that specific Gram-negative therapy be initiated immediately if a concomitant Gram-negative pathogen is documented or suspected.
Pneumonia
Nosocomial pneumonia caused by Staphylococcus aureus (methicillin-susceptible and -resistant isolates) or Streptococcus pneumoniae.
Community-acquired pneumonia caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, including cases with concurrent bacteremia, or Staphylococcus aureus (methicillin-susceptible isolates only).
1.2 Skin and Skin Structure Infections
Complicated skin and skin structure infections, including diabetic foot infections, without concomitant osteomyelitis, caused by Staphylococcus aureus (methicillin-susceptible and -resistant isolates), Streptococcus pyogenes, or Streptococcus agalactiae. Linezolid Tablets have not been studied in the treatment of decubitus ulcers.
Uncomplicated skin and skin structure infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus (methicillin-susceptible isolates only) or Streptococcus pyogenes.
Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium Infections
Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium infections, including cases with concurrent bacteremia.
1.4 Usage
To reduce the development of drug-resistant bacteria and maintain the effectiveness of Linezolid Tablets and other antibacterial drugs, Linezolid Tablets should be used only to treat or prevent infections that are proven or strongly suspected to be caused by susceptible bacteria. When culture and susceptibility information are available, they should be considered in selecting or modifying antibacterial therapy. In the absence of such data, local epidemiology and susceptibility patterns may contribute to the empiric selection of therapy.
The safety and efficacy of Linezolid Tablets given for longer than 28 days have not been evaluated in controlled clinical trials.
How should I use Linezolid?
Use Linezolid suspension as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.
- Take Linezolid suspension by mouth with or without food. If stomach upset occurs, take with food to reduce stomach irritation.
- Gently mix before each dose by turning the bottle upside-down 3 to 5 times. Do not shake Linezolid suspension.
- Use a measuring device marked for medicine dosing. Ask your pharmacist for help if you are unsure of how to measure your dose.
- To clear up your infection completely, take Linezolid suspension for the full course of treatment. Keep taking it even if you feel better in a few days.
- If you miss a dose of Linezolid suspension, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Linezolid suspension.
Uses of Linezolid in details
Linezolid is used to treat bacterial infections such as pneumonia (community acquired pneumonia and nosocomial pneumonia), skin infections and infections that are resistant to other antibiotics.
Linezolid description
Linezolid I.V. Injection, Linezolid Tablets, and Linezolid for
Oral Suspension contain Linezolid, which is a synthetic antibacterial agent of the oxazolidinone class.
Linezolid Tablet for oral administration contains 600 mg Linezolid as a film-coated compressed tablet. The sodium (Na+) content is 2.92 mg per 600-mg tablet (0.1 mEq/tablet).
Linezolid for
Oral Suspension is supplied as an orange-flavored granule/powder for constitution into a suspension for oral administration. Following constitution, each 5 mL contains 100 mg of Linezolid. The sodium (Na+) content is 8.52 mg/5 mL (0.4 mEq/5 mL).
Linezolid I.V. Injection is supplied as a ready-to-use sterile isotonic solution for intravenous infusion. Each mL contains 2 mg of Linezolid. The sodium (Na+) content is 0.38 mg/mL (5 mEq/300-mL bag; 3.3 mEq/200-mL bag; and 1.7 mEq/100-mL bag).
The chemical name for Linezolid is (S)-N-[[3-[3-Fluoro-4-(4-morpholinyl)phenyl]-2-oxo-5-oxazolidinyl] methyl]-acetamide.
The empirical formula is C16H20FN3O4. Its molecular weight is 337.35.
Excipients/Inactive Ingredients: Film-Coated Tablet: Corn starch, microcrystalline cellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, sodium starch glycolate, magnesium stearate, hypromellose, polyethylene glycol, titanium dioxide, and carnauba wax. Powd forOral Suspension:
Sucrose, citric acid, sodium citrate, microcrystalline cellulose and carboxymethylcellulose sodium, aspartame, xanthan gum, mannitol, sodium benzoate, colloidal silicon dioxide, sodium chloride, and flavors. Infusion: Sodium citrate, citric acid, and dextrose in an aqueous vehicle for intravenous administration.
Linezolid dosage
Patients whose therapy is started with Linezolid injection may be switched to Linezolid tablets or Linezolid for oral suspension, with no dosage adjustment.
Duration of treatment is variable, depending on the pathogen isolated, site of infection and its severity. To date, the maximum duration of treatment has been 28 days.
Pre-term neonates <7 days of age (gestational age <34 weeks) have lower systemic Linezolid clearance values and larger AUC values than many full-term neonates and older infants. By day 7 of age, Linezolid clearance and AUC values are similar to those of full-term neonates and older infants.
Elderly patients: No dose adjustment is required.
Patients with Renal Insufficiency: No dose adjustment is required. Patients with severe renal insufficiency (ie, creatinine clearance <30 mL/min): No dose adjustment is required. Due to the unknown clinical significance of higher exposure (up to 10-fold) to the 2 primary metabolites of Linezolid in patients with severe renal insufficiency, Linezolid should be used with special caution in these patients and only when the anticipated benefit is considered to outweigh the theoretical risk.
As approximately 30% of a Linezolid dose is removed during 3 hrs of hemodialysis, Linezolid should be given after dialysis in patients receiving such treatment. The primary metabolites of Linezolid are removed to some extent by hemodialysis, but the concentrations of these metabolites are still very considerably higher following dialysis than those observed in patients with normal renal function or mild to moderate renal insufficiency.
Therefore, Linezolid should be used with special caution in patients with severe renal insufficiency who are undergoing dialysis and only when the anticipated benefit is considered to outweigh the theoretical risk.
To date, there is no experience of Linezolid administration to patients undergoing continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) or alternative treatments for renal failure (other than haemodialysis).
Patients with Hepatic Insufficiency: No dose adjustment is required. However, there are limited clinical data and it is recommended that Linezolid should be used in such patients only when anticipated benefit is considered to outweigh the theoretical risk.
Children: Recommended dosages for pediatric patients, see Table 2.
Linezolid Injection: Administer Linezolid injection by IV infusion over a period of 30-120 min. Do not use the IV infusion bag in series connections. Do not introduce additives into the IV solution. If Linezolid injection is to be given concomitantly with another drug, each drug should be given separately, in accordance with the recommended dosage and route of administration for each product.
Linezolid interactions
See also:
What other drugs will affect Linezolid?
Monoamine Oxidase Inhibition: Linezolid is a reversible, nonselective inhibitor of
monoamine oxidase. Therefore, Linezolid has the potential for interaction with adrenergic
and serotonergic agents.
Adrenergic Agents: Some individuals receiving Linezolid may experience a reversible
enhancement of the pressor response to indirect-acting sympathomimetic agents,
vasopressor or dopaminergic agents. Commonly used drugs such as phenylpropanolamine
and pseudoephedrine have been specifically studied. Initial doses of adrenergic agents, such
as dopamine or epinephrine, should be reduced and titrated to achieve the desired response.
Serotonergic Agents: Co-administration of Linezolid and serotonergic agents was not
associated with serotonin syndrome in Phase 1, 2 or 3 studies. Spontaneous reports of
serotonin syndrome associated with co-administration of Linezolid and serotonergic agents,
including antidepressants such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), have been
reported. Patients who are treated with Linezolid and concomitant serotonergic agents
should be closely observed as described in the PRECAUTIONS, General Section.
Strong CYP450 Inducers: In a study in healthy volunteers, co-administration of rifampin
with oral Linezolid resulted in a 21% decrease in Linezolid Cmax and a 32% decrease in
Linezolid AUC0-12. The clinical significance of this interaction is unknown. Other strong
inducers of hepatic enzymes (e.g. carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital) could cause a
similar or smaller decrease in Linezolid exposure.
Linezolid side effects
See also:
What are the possible side effects of Linezolid?
Adult Patients: The safety of Linezolid formulations was evaluated in 2046 adult patients enrolled in 7 phase III comparator-controlled clinical trials who were treated for up to 28 days. In these studies, 85% of the adverse events reported with Linezolid were described as mild to moderate in intensity. Table 14 shows the incidence of adverse events reported in at least 2% of patients in these trials. The most common adverse events in patients treated with Linezolid were diarrhea (incidence across studies: 2.8-11%), headache (incidence across studies: 0.5-11.3%) and nausea (incidence across studies: 3.4-9.6%).
Other adverse events reported in phase II and phase III studies included oral moniliasis, vaginal moniliasis, hypertension, dyspepsia, localized abdominal pain, pruritus and tongue discoloration.
Table 15 shows the incidence of drug-related adverse events reported in at least 1% of adult patients in these trials by dose of Linezolid.
Pediatric Patients: The safety of Linezolid formulations was evaluated in 215 pediatric patients ranging in age from birth through 11 years and in 248 pediatric patients 5-17 years (146 of these 248 were 5-11 years and 102 were 12-17 years). These patients were enrolled in 2 phase III comparator-controlled clinical trials and were treated for up to 28 days. In these studies, 83% and 99%, respectively, of the adverse events reported with Linezolid were described as mild to moderate in intensity. In the study of hospitalized pediatric patients (birth through 11 years) with gram-positive infections who were randomized 2:1 (Linezolid:vancomycin), mortality was 6% (13/215) in the Linezolid arm and 3% (3/101) in the vancomycin arm. However, given the severe underlying illness in the patient population, no causality could be established. Table 16 shows the incidence of adverse events reported in at least 2% of pediatric patients treated with Linezolid in these trials.
Table 17 shows the incidence of drug-related adverse events reported in >1% of pediatric patients (and >1 patient) in either treatment group in the comparator-controlled phase III trials.
Laboratory Changes: Linezolid has been associated with thrombocytopenia when used in doses up to and including 600 mg every 12 hrs for up to 28 days. In phase III comparator-controlled trials, the percentage of adult patients who developed a substantially low platelet count (defined as <75% of lower limit of normal and/or baseline) was 2.4% (range among studies: 0.3-10%) with Linezolid and 1.5% (range among studies: 0.4-7%) with a comparator. In a study of hospitalized pediatric patients ranging in age from birth through 11 years, the percentage of patients who developed a substantially low platelet count (defined as <75% of lower limit of normal and/or baseline) was 12.9% with Linezolid and 13.4% with vancomycin. In an outpatient study of pediatric patients from 5-17 years, the percentage of patients who developed a substantially low platelet count was 0% with Linezolid and 0.4% with cefadroxil. Thrombocytopenia associated with the use of Linezolid appears to be dependent on duration of therapy (generally >2 weeks of treatment). The platelet counts for most patients returned to the normal range/baseline during the follow-up period. No related clinical adverse events were identified in phase III clinical trials in patients developing thrombocytopenia. Bleeding events were identified in thrombocytopenic patients in a compassionate use program for Linezolid; the role of Linezolid in these events cannot be determined.
Changes seen in other laboratory parameters, without regard to drug relationship, revealed no substantial differences between Linezolid and the comparators. These changes were generally not clinically significant, did not lead to discontinuation of therapy and were reversible. The incidence of adults and pediatric patients with at least 1 substantially abnormal hematologic or serum chemistry value is presented in Tables 18, 19, 20 and 21.
Post-Marketing Experience: Myelosuppression (including anemia, leukopenia, pancytopenia, and thrombocytopenia) has been reported during post-marketing use of Linezolid. Peripheral neuropathy and optic neuropathy sometimes progressing to loss of vision, have been reported in patients treated with Linezolid. Lactic acidosis has been reported with the use of Linezolid. Although these reports have primarily been in patients treated for longer than the maximum recommended duration of 28 days, these events have also been reported in patients receiving shorter courses of therapy. Serotonin syndrome has been reported in patients receiving concomitant serotonergic agents, including antidepressants eg, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and Linezolid. Convulsions have been reported with the use of Linezolid. Superficial tooth discoloration and tongue discoloration have been reported with the use of Linezolid. The tooth discoloration was removable with professional dental cleaning (manual descaling) in case with known outcome. Anaphylaxis, angioedema and bullous skin disorders such as those described as Stevens-Johnson syndrome have been reported. These events have been chosen for inclusion due to either their seriousness, frequency of reporting, possible causal connection to Linezolid or a combination of these factors. Because they are reported voluntarily from a population of unknown size, estimates of frequency cannot be made and causal relationship cannot be precisely established.
Linezolid contraindications
See also:
What is the most important information I should know about Linezolid?
Do not use Linezolid if you have used an MAO inhibitor such as furazolidone (Furoxone), isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam, Zelapar), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) in the last 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur, leading to serious side effects.
Many drugs can interact with Linezolid. Before using Linezolid, tell your doctor about all other medications you use. You may need to stop using certain medicines before using Linezolid (in some cases for up to 5 weeks before you start Linezolid). During your treatment with Linezolid, do not start or stop using any other medications unless your doctor tells you to.
You should not use Linezolid if you have untreated or uncontrolled high blood pressure, a carcinoid tumor, adrenal gland tumor, or a severely overactive thyroid.
If you take an antidepressant or psychiatric medication, call your doctor right away if you have signs of a serious drug interaction, including: confusion, memory problems, feeling hyperactive (mentally or physically), loss of coordination, muscle twitching, shivering, sweating, diarrhea, and/or fever.
Eating tyramine while you are using Linezolid can raise your blood pressure to dangerous levels. Avoid foods that have a high level of tyramine, such as aged cheeses or meats, pickled or fermented meats, smoked or air-dried meats, sauerkraut, soy sauce, tap beer, red wine, or any meat, cheese, or other protein-based food that has been improperly stored.
Active ingredient matches for Linezolid:
Linezolid
| Unit description / dosage (Manufacturer) | Price, USD |
| Tablet; Oral; Linezolid 600 mg | |
| Zyvox 600 mg tablet | $ 93.81 |
| Zyvox 200 mg/100 ml iv soln | $ 0.60 |
| Linezolid tablet, film coated 600 mg/1 (Apotex Corp. (US)) | |
| Linezolid suspension 100 mg/5mL (Greenstone LLC (US)) | |
| Linezolid tablet 600 mg (Panda Pharmaceuticals Inc. (Canada)) | |
| Linezolid injection, solution 2 mg/mL (Hospira, Inc. (US)) | |
| Linezolid injection, solution 600 mg/300mL (Auro Medics Pharma Llc (US)) | |
| Linezolid injection, solution 200 mg/100mL (Sandoz Inc (US)) | |
| Linezolid tablet 600 mg/1 (Amneal Pharmaceuticals of New York, LLC (US)) | |
List of Linezolid substitutes (brand and generic names): | |
| Linezlid | |
| Linezolid - 1 A Pharma (Germany) | |
| LINEZOLID 600MG INFUSION | |
| LINEZOLID 600MG INFUSION 1 bottle / 300 ML infusion each (Jan Aushadhi) | $ 1.15 |
| LINEZOLID 600MG TABLET | |
| LINEZOLID 600MG TABLET 1 strip / 10 tablets each (Jan Aushadhi) | $ 2.12 |
| Linezolid Accord (Netherlands) | |
| Linezolid Accord 600 mg (Austria) | |
| Linezolid Actavis (Bulgaria, Croatia (Hrvatska), Romania, Sweden) | |
| Linezolid AL (Germany) | |
| Linezolid Amneal (Netherlands) | |
| Linezolid APO (Australia) | |
| Linezolid APOTEX (Australia) | |
| Linezolid Aurobindo (Netherlands, Romania) | |
| Linezolid Aurovitas (Spain) | |
| Linezolid beta (Germany) | |
| Linezolid Betapharm (Netherlands) | |
| Linezolid Central Procurement (Malta) | |
| Linezolid Demo (Germany) | |
| Linezolid Denk (Germany) | |
| Linezolid Dr. Reddy's (Malta) | |
| Linezolid Dr. Reddys (Spain) | |
| Linezolid Eberth (Germany) | |
| Linezolid Farmaprojects (Netherlands) | |
| Linezolid Fresenius Kabi (Netherlands) | |
| Linezolid G.E.S. (Spain) | |
| Linezolid Glenmark (Denmark, Germany, Spain, Sweden) | |
| Linezolid GNP (Egypt) | |
| Linezolid HCS 600 mg (Austria) | |
| Linezolid Hetero (Netherlands) | |
| Linezolid Hexal (Germany) | |
| Linezolid Hikma (Germany) | |
| Linezolid Hospira (Italy) | |
| Linezolid Infomed (Romania) | |
| Linezolid Inresa (Germany) | |
| Linezolid ion (Uruguay) | |
| Linezolid Kabi (Croatia (Hrvatska), Poland) | |
| Linezolid Kabi 2mg/ml (Austria, Luxembourg) | |
| Linezolid Krka (Croatia (Hrvatska), Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Lithuania, Romania, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden) | |
| Linezolid Krka 2mg/ml (Bulgaria) | |
| Linezolid Krka 600mg (Bulgaria) | |
| Linezolid Medana (Lithuania) | |
See 606 substitutes for Linezolid | |
References
- DailyMed. "LINEZOLID: DailyMed provides trustworthy information about marketed drugs in the United States. DailyMed is the official provider of FDA label information (package inserts).". https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailyme... (accessed September 17, 2018).
- PubChem. "linezolid". https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/com... (accessed September 17, 2018).
- DrugBank. "linezolid". http://www.drugbank.ca/drugs/DB00601 (accessed September 17, 2018).
Reviews
The results of a survey conducted on ndrugs.com for Linezolid are given in detail below. The results of the survey conducted are based on the impressions and views of the website users and consumers taking Linezolid. We implore you to kindly base your medical condition or therapeutic choices on the result or test conducted by a physician or licensed medical practitioners.User reports
2 consumers reported useful
Was the Linezolid drug useful in terms of decreasing the symptom or the disease?According to the reports released by ndrugs.com website users, the below mentioned percentages of users say the drug is useful / not useful to them in decreasing their symptoms/disease. The usefulness of the drug depends on many factors, like severity of the disease, perception of symptom, or disease by the patient, brand name used [matters only to a certain extent], other associated conditions of the patient. If the drug is not effective or useful in your case, you need to meet the doctor to get re-evaluated about your symptoms/disease, and he will prescribe an alternative drug.
| Users | % | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Useful | 1 | 50.0% | |
| Not useful | 1 | 50.0% | |
2 consumers reported price estimates
Was the price you paid to purchase the drug reasonable? Did you feel it was expensive?The below mentioned numbers have been reported by ndrugs.com website users about whether the Linezolid drug is expensive or inexpensive. There is a mixed opinion among users. The rating about the cost of the drug depends on factors like which brand drug the patient purchased, how effective it was for the price paid, the country or place the drug is marketed, and the economic condition of the patient. The users who feel the drug is expensive can look for an alternative brand drug or a generic drug to save the cost.
| Users | % | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Expensive | 2 | 100.0% | |
Consumer reported time for results
No survey data has been collected yet1 consumer reported age
| Users | % | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| > 60 | 1 | 100.0% | |
Consumer reviews
There are no reviews yet. Be the first to write one! |
Information checked by Dr. Sachin Kumar, MD Pharmacology
