Linezolid is a synthetic oxazolidinone antibacterial agent approved for marketing by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). As an important antibacterial drug, linezolid is mainly used clinically for the treatment of infections caused by specific Gram-positive bacteria.
Indications for Linezolid
Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococcus faecium (VRE) Infections
Including cases complicated with bacteremia. This is one of the most important indications of linezolid, providing an effective treatment option for infections caused by vancomycin-resistant strains.
Hospital-Acquired Pneumonia (HAP)
Caused by Staphylococcus aureus (including both methicillin-sensitive and methicillin-resistant strains) or Streptococcus pneumoniae (penicillin-sensitive strains only).
If Gram-negative bacteria are identified or suspected to be part of the pathogen, combination therapy may be required.
Complicated Skin and Skin Structure Infections (cSSSI)
Caused by Staphylococcus aureus (including both methicillin-sensitive and methicillin-resistant strains), Streptococcus pyogenes, or Streptococcus agalactiae.
Linezolid has not been studied in the treatment of diabetic foot infections or pressure ulcer infections.
If Gram-negative bacteria are identified or suspected to be part of the pathogen, combination therapy may be required.
Uncomplicated Skin and Skin Structure Infections (uSSSI)
Caused by Staphylococcus aureus (methicillin-sensitive strains only) or Streptococcus pyogenes.
Community-Acquired Pneumonia (CAP)
Caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae (penicillin-sensitive strains only), including cases complicated with bacteremia, or Staphylococcus aureus (methicillin-sensitive strains only).
Specifications and Properties of Linezolid
ZYVOX Intravenous Injection
It is a ready-to-use sterile isotonic solution containing 2 mg of linezolid per milliliter.
Excipients include sodium citrate, citric acid, and dextrose. The sodium (Na⁺) content is 0.38 mg per milliliter (5 mEq in 300 mL bags, 3.3 mEq in 200 mL bags, and 1.7 mEq in 100 mL bags).
ZYVOX Tablets
They are film-coated compressed tablets for oral administration, containing 400 mg or 600 mg of linezolid.
Excipients include corn starch, microcrystalline cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, sodium carboxymethyl starch, magnesium stearate, hypromellose, polyethylene glycol, titanium dioxide, and carnauba wax.
The sodium (Na⁺) content is 1.95 mg per 400 mg tablet and 2.92 mg per 600 mg tablet (0.1 mEq per tablet, regardless of specification).
ZYVOX Oral Suspension
It is an orange-flavored granule/powder. After reconstitution, each 5 mL of the suspension contains 100 mg of linezolid.
Excipients include sucrose, citric acid, sodium citrate, microcrystalline cellulose and sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, aspartame, xanthan gum, mannitol, sodium benzoate, colloidal silicon dioxide, sodium chloride, and flavoring.
The sodium (Na⁺) content is 8.52 mg per 5 mL (0.4 mEq per 5 mL).
Each 5 mL of ZYVOX Oral Suspension (100 mg/5 mL) contains 20 mg of phenylalanine; other dosage forms do not contain phenylalanine.
Storage Methods for Linezolid
Intravenous Injection
Should be stored at controlled room temperature, avoiding freezing and excessive heat.
The bag should remain intact until immediately before use; once prepared, it should be used right away.
Attention should be paid to light protection to prevent direct sunlight exposure.
Tablets
Should be stored in a dry place below 25°C. Keep the container tightly closed to prevent moisture absorption.
Store out of the reach of children. No special refrigeration is required, but exposure to high-temperature and high-humidity environments should be avoided.
Oral Suspension
The dry powder should be stored at room temperature in a dry place.
After reconstitution, the suspension should be stored at room temperature and shaken well before use.
Generally, the reconstituted suspension remains stable for 14 days; it should be discarded if this period is exceeded.
