Linezolid: Price, Dosage & Where to Buy

Linezolid is an oxazolidinone-class antibacterial medicine used mainly for serious infections caused by susceptible Gram-positive bacteria. It may be prescribed for pneumonia, complicated skin infections, or vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium infections. Linezolid requires a prescription in the United Kingdom, and generic linezolid has been available since 2015-06-03.

Linezolid belongs to the oxazolidinone class of antibacterials. It works by stopping susceptible bacteria from making the proteins they need to grow and multiply. It acts early in the process of bacterial protein production, which helps limit the development of a working bacterial cell.

This action is different from that of many other antibacterial medicines. Linezolid is active against certain Gram-positive bacteria, but it does not treat Gram-negative infections.

The medicine does not treat viral illnesses such as colds or flu. Its use should therefore be limited to infections that are proven or strongly suspected to be caused by susceptible bacteria.

Linezolid treats certain infections caused by susceptible Gram-positive bacteria in adults and children. These include hospital-acquired pneumonia and community-acquired pneumonia, including some cases with bacteria in the blood. It also treats complicated skin and skin structure infections, including diabetic foot infections without bone infection, and uncomplicated skin and skin structure infections.

Linezolid is also indicated for vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium infections, including cases with bacteria in the blood. It is not indicated for Gram-negative infections.

Treatment should be used only when a bacterial infection is proven or strongly suspected to be caused by susceptible bacteria. The choice of treatment may be reviewed when culture and susceptibility information becomes available.

The label lists tablets containing 600 mg. The label lists oral suspension containing 100 mg/5 mL. The label lists intravenous injection strengths of 2 mg/mL, 200 mg/100 mL, and 600 mg/300 mL.

The usual starting dose is 600 mg intravenously or orally every 12 hours for adults and adolescents aged 12 years and older with hospital-acquired pneumonia, community-acquired pneumonia, complicated skin infections, or vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium infections. The label lists treatment durations of 10 to 14 days for pneumonia and uncomplicated skin infections, and 14 to 28 days for community-acquired pneumonia, complicated skin infections, and vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium infections. The label lists 400 mg orally every 12 hours for adults with uncomplicated skin infections.

The label lists 10 mg/kg regimens for children, with frequency based on age and infection. No dose adjustment is necessary when switching from intravenous to oral administration.

No storage conditions are listed for this product. Keep linezolid in its original packaging, protected from moisture and out of the sight and reach of children.

Follow the storage instructions on the dispensing label or packaging to maintain quality. A pharmacist can advise if the medicine has been stored incorrectly.

A missed dose means that a scheduled dose was not given at the intended time. Linezolid is used for bacterial infections, so keeping treatment regular helps maintain antibacterial activity. Contact the prescribing doctor, pharmacist, or treatment team for advice about the missed dose.

Do not double the next dose unless a healthcare professional specifically advises this. Complete the prescribed course unless the prescriber advises stopping or a serious reaction requires urgent review.

Available data from published and postmarketing reports have not identified a linezolid-associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriage, or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. Animal findings included embryo-fetal toxicity in some studies. Linezolid is present in breast milk, and there is no information on its effects on a breastfed infant or on milk production.

Breastfed infants should be monitored for diarrhoea and vomiting. The benefits of breastfeeding should be considered with the mother’s clinical need and possible effects on the child. Discuss linezolid use during pregnancy or breastfeeding with a doctor or pharmacist.