This article describes linezolid injection’s dosage and strength and gives details on how it’s given. If you want to know more about linezolid injection, see this overview article. It covers details about the drug’s uses and side effects, and more.
Linezolid injection is a generic version of the brand-name drug Zyvox. Linezolid also comes in a tablet form that you swallow, but that form isn’t described in this article. To learn more about that form, talk with your doctor.
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Form and strength of linezolid
Linezolid injection comes as follows:
- Form: intravenous (IV) infusion (an injection into your vein given over time)
- Strength: 600 milligrams (mg) per 300 milliliters (mL), which is 2 mg/mL
Dosage of linezolid
This article describes the recommended dosages for linezolid injection. The drugmaker provides these dosages.
Linezolid infusion is given by a healthcare professional. If your doctor prescribes this drug, they will determine the dosage and duration of treatment that best meets your needs.
Usual recommended dosage of linezolid in adults
Linezolid infusion is used for certain types of hard-to-treat bacterial infections.
- Dose: 600 mg
- Frequency: twice daily
Depending on your condition and the severity of the infection, you may be given linezolid doses by IV infusion for up to 28 days. The doctor may also switch you an oral form of linezolid as needed.
Dosages of linezolid in children
Linezolid is approved for use in infants and children.
For those younger than 12 years of age, the dosage is based on weight. The dose is 10 mg per kilogram (kg) in weight, given every 8 hours. The maximum dose is 600 mg.
For children ages 12 years or older, the dosage is the same as for adults (600 mg every 12 hours).
Depending on the condition and the severity of the infection, the child may be given linezolid doses by IV infusion for up to 28 days. Your doctor may also switch your child to other forms of linezolid as needed.
Dosage adjustments for linezolid
The dosage for linezolid is typically not adjusted. However, your doctor may adjust how many days you receive linezolid injections based on several factors. These include:
- the severity of your condition
- how well the medication works
Frequently asked questions
Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about linezolid injection and its dosage.
How does the dosage of linezolid compare with the dosage of vancomycin?
Both linezolid and vancomycin are given as an intravenous (IV) infusion (an injection into your vein given over time). The dosage of linezolid for adults is more straightforward: 600 mg twice daily. But doctors adjust the dosage of vancomycin for each person.
Your vancomycin dose depends on your weight and the type of infection you have. Your age and other factors, like how well your kidneys work, will determine how often you receive a vancomycin dose. Most regimens range from every 6–24 hours. But you may receive it more or less frequently than that.
You will also need to have blood drawn to check how much vancomycin is in your system. Levels of the drug must be high enough to treat your infection but low enough to avoid side effects like decreased kidney function.
Talk with your doctor to learn more about how your dosage of linezolid compares with the dosage of vancomycin.
Is linezolid used long term?
No, doctors don’t typically prescribe linezolid injection as a long-term treatment. Instead, they usually recommend it for short-term use.
How long your doctor wants you to receive linezolid depends on the type and severity of the infection you have.
If you have questions about how long you should receive linezolid injection, talk with your doctor.
How linezolid is administered
Your doctor or another healthcare professional will give you doses of linezolid injection. It’s typically given in a hospital setting. Linezolid will be given as an IV infusion (injection given into your vein over time) two or three times per day depending on your age.
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