Indications
Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococcus faecium infections including cases with concurrent bacteremia.
Nosocomial pneumonia caused by Staphylococcus aureus (methicillin-susceptible and -resistant strains) or Streptococcus pneumoniae (including multi-drug resistant strains). Combination therapy may be clinically indicated if the documented or presumptive pathogens include Gram-negative organism.
Complicated skin and skin structure infections, including diabetic foot infections (without concomitant osteomyelitis) caused by Staphylococcus aureus (methicillin-susceptible and resistant strains), Streptococcus pyogenes, or Streptococcus agalactiae.
Uncomplicated skin and skin structure infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus (methicillin-susceptible only) or Streptococcus pyogenes.
Community-acquired pneumonia caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae (including multi-drug resistant strains) including cases with concurrent bacteremia, or Staphylococcus aureus (methicillin-susceptible strains only)
Nosocomial pneumonia caused by Staphylococcus aureus (methicillin-susceptible and -resistant strains) or Streptococcus pneumoniae (including multi-drug resistant strains). Combination therapy may be clinically indicated if the documented or presumptive pathogens include Gram-negative organism.
Complicated skin and skin structure infections, including diabetic foot infections (without concomitant osteomyelitis) caused by Staphylococcus aureus (methicillin-susceptible and resistant strains), Streptococcus pyogenes, or Streptococcus agalactiae.
Uncomplicated skin and skin structure infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus (methicillin-susceptible only) or Streptococcus pyogenes.
Community-acquired pneumonia caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae (including multi-drug resistant strains) including cases with concurrent bacteremia, or Staphylococcus aureus (methicillin-susceptible strains only)
Therapeutic Class
Macrolides
Pharmacology
Linezolid is a synthetic, antibacterial agent belonging to a new class of antibiotics, the oxazolidinones, with in vitro activity against Gram positive aerobic bacteria, some Gram positive anaerobic bacteria and certain Gram negative bacteria. It selectively inhibits bacterial protein synthesis via a mechanism of action different from that of other antibacterial agents. Linezolid binds to the 23S ribosomal RNA of the 50S subunit of the bacterial ribosome and prevents the formation of a functional 70S initiation complex which is an essential component of the bacterial translation process. The results of time-kill studies have shown Linezolid to be bacteriostatic against enterococci and staphylococci. For streptococci, Linezolid was found to be bactericidal for the majority of strains.
Dosage
Patients who commence treatment on the parenteral formulation may be switched to either oral presentation when clinically indicated. In such circumstances, no dose adjustment is required as Linezolid has an oral bioavailability of approximately 100%. The injection should be administered over a period of 30 to 120 minutes. The film coated tablets or oral suspension may be taken with or without food.
Adults and Adolescents (12 Years and Older):
Adults and Adolescents (12 Years and Older):
- Complicated skin and skin structure infections & Community-acquired pneumonia, including concurrent bacteremia: 600 mg IV or oral b.i.d. for 10 to 14 days.
- Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium infections, including concurrent bacteremia: 600 mg IV or oral b.i.d. for 14-28
- Complicated skin and skin structure infections & Community-acquired pneumonia, including concurrent bacteremia: 600 mg IV or oral b.i.d. for 10 to 14 days.
- Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium infections, including concurrent bacteremia: 600 mg IV or oral b.i.d.for 14-28.
Administration
Intravenous Administration: Linezolid IV Injection is supplied in single-use, ready-to-use infusion bags. Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter prior to administration. Minute leaks should be checked by firmly squeezing the bag. If leaks are detected, the solution should be discarded, as sterility may be impaired. Linezolid IV Injection should be administered by intravenous infusion over a period of 30 to 120 minutes. The intravenous infusion bag should not be used in series connections. Additives should not be introduced into this solution. The infusion bag should be stored at room temperature and protected from freezing. Linezolid IV Injection may exhibit a yellow color that can intensify over time without adversely affecting potency.
Patients who commence treatment on the parenteral formulation may be switched to either oral presentation when clinically indicated. In such circumstances, no dose adjustment is required as Linezolid has an oral bioavailability of approximately 100%.
The injection should be administered over a period of 30 to 120 minutes. The film coated tablets or oral suspension may be taken with or without food.
Patients who commence treatment on the parenteral formulation may be switched to either oral presentation when clinically indicated. In such circumstances, no dose adjustment is required as Linezolid has an oral bioavailability of approximately 100%.
The injection should be administered over a period of 30 to 120 minutes. The film coated tablets or oral suspension may be taken with or without food.
Interaction
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. Initial doses of adrenergic agents, such as dopamine or epinephrine, should be reduced and titrated to achieve the desired response.
Adrenergic Agents: Some individuals receiving Linezolid may experience a reversible enhancement of the pressor response to indirect-acting sympathomimetic agents, vasopressor or dopaminergic agents. Initial doses of adrenergic agents, such as dopamine or epinephrine, should be reduced and titrated to achieve the desired response.