Linezolid
Linezolid is an oxazolidinone antibiotic used to treat serious gram-positive bacterial infections, including pneumonia and skin infections. It is particularly effective against drug-resistant organisms such as MRSA and vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE). This medication is typically reserved for severe infections when other antibiotics are not appropriate or have failed.
Linezolid is a broad-spectrum antibiotic used for serious gram-positive infections, including drug-resistant strains like MRSA and VRE.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- J01XX08
- RxNorm
- 190376
- Generic
- Linezolid
- Class
- atc-j01
- Brands
- Zyvox
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- injection, tablet, suspension
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 500mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 250mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 400mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
9 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks
regular fetal monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
second trimesteruse only if needed
use only if benefits outweigh potential risks
regular prenatal monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
third trimesteruse with caution
use only if benefits outweigh risks; close monitoring required
fetal monitoring and maternal blood counts
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedingdiscontinue breastfeeding or avoid
linezolid is excreted in breast milk; discontinue breastfeeding during treatment and for 2 days after
monitor infant for potential adverse effects
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
geriatric
elderlyno dose adjustment needed
use standard adult dosing; monitor renal function and hematologic parameters
regular CBC monitoring especially for myelosuppression
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
neonates and childrenweight-based dosing required
approved for use in pediatric patients including neonates; dose based on weight and age
regular CBC monitoring
renal_impairment
mild to moderateno dose adjustment needed
standard dosing for CrCl greater than 30 mL/min; no adjustment required
monitor CBC regularly
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
severeuse with caution
use only if benefits outweigh risks; consider dose reduction or extended dosing interval
monitor renal function and CBC closely
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
mild to moderateno dose adjustment needed
standard adult dosing may be used
monitor liver function tests
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
FDA approval year
Original FDA approval date for Linezolid
Drug class
Pharmacological classification of Linezolid
Common uses
Primary therapeutic indications for Linezolid
Mechanism of action
Pharmacodynamic properties
Treats nosocomial pneumonia, community-acquired pneumonia, complicated skin and soft tissue infections, vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium infections, and other serious gram-positive bacterial infections.
Inhibits bacterial protein synthesis by binding to the 23S rRNA of the 50S ribosomal subunit, preventing the formation of a functional 70S initiation complex essential for bacterial growth.
Requires regular monitoring of complete blood counts due to risk of bone marrow suppression. Has significant drug interactions with MAO inhibitors and serotonergic medications. Typically reserved as a second-line agent for serious infections when standard antibiotics are ineffective.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy