Product Description

Indications:

Zolivox is used for the treatment of serious Gram-positive infections such as nosocomial pneumonia, community-acquired pneumonia, complicated and uncomplicated skin infections (including diabetic foot infections without osteomyelitis) and infections caused by vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium. It is not effective for Gram-negative infections.

Pharmacology:

Linezolid is an oxazolidinone antibiotic that inhibits bacterial protein synthesis by binding to the 50S ribosomal subunit. It prevents formation of the functional 70S initiation complex, thereby stopping bacterial growth. It is mainly bacteriostatic but may be bactericidal against some streptococci.

Dosage and Administration:

Linezolid may be given orally or intravenously (infusion over 30–120 minutes).

Adults and adolescents: 600 mg every 12 hours.

Children: 10 mg/kg every 8–12 hours depending on age and infection.

Treatment duration usually ranges from 10–28 days depending on the infection. No dose adjustment is needed when switching between IV and oral forms.

Drug Interactions:

Linezolid is a reversible MAO inhibitor and may interact with serotonergic or adrenergic drugs (e.g., SSRIs, TCAs, sympathomimetics). Risk of serotonin syndrome exists. Avoid high-tyramine foods during treatment.

Contraindications:

Contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to linezolid, those taking MAO inhibitors, or patients with uncontrolled hypertension, pheochromocytoma, thyrotoxicosis or those on certain interacting medications.

Side Effects:

Common side effects include diarrhea, nausea and headache. Other effects may include fungal infections, hypertension, abdominal pain, itching and tongue discoloration.

Pregnancy and Lactation:

Use during pregnancy only if clearly needed. Linezolid passes into breast milk; monitor infants for possible side effects if breastfeeding.

Precautions and Warnings:

Monitor blood counts weekly, especially with prolonged use. Watch for visual disturbances, serotonin syndrome and antibiotic-associated diarrhea. Use cautiously in patients with hypertension or on interacting drugs.

Overdose Effects:

No specific antidote. Treatment is supportive. Hemodialysis may remove some amount of the drug.

Therapeutic Class:

Oxazolidinone Antibiotic

Reconstitution:

Oral suspension should be prepared with boiled and cooled water and shaken well before use. IV infusion is ready-to-use and should not be mixed with other drugs.

Storage Conditions:

Store at 15°C–30°C, protect from light and moisture, and keep out of reach of children.

⚠️ Use under the supervision of a registered healthcare professional.