Antimicrobials
Linezolid

Linezolid

Spectrum of Activity

Stewardship Considerations

General Information

No information available

Canine dose of 10 mg/kg PO q8-12h is probably reasonable

10 mg/kg PO q8-12h

Twice daily dosing is most often used in humans

Tablet

  • 600 mg (special order)

Should only be used for the treatment of gram-positive infections resistant to other antibiotics and susceptible to Linezolid. 

  • Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)
  • Methicillin-resistant S. pseudintermedius (MRSP)
  • Multidrug-resistant Enterococcus (including vancomycin resistant Enterococcus [VRE])
  • Time-dependent
  • Bacteriostatic against enterococci and staphylococci
  • Bactericidal against streptococci
  • Widely distributed
  • Excreted via the kidneys unchanged or as metabolites
  • GI upset
  • Reversible bone marrow suppression is well documented in humans. The risk of this in dogs and cats is unclear. It is prudent to monitor dogs and cats for bone marrow suppression if linezolid is used for prolonged courses
  • Thrombocytopenia is relatively common in humans treated with linezolid, and can sometimes be severe. Monitoring platelets counts may be beneficial, particularly with extended durations of use. 
  • Renal disease may increase the risk of adverse effects. Monitoring for bone marrow suppression should be considered in animals with renal disease, particularly if long durations are to be used.

Avoid administering with drugs that add potential for myelosuppression.

No approved veterinary formulation in Canada.

600 mg tablet size is problematic for cats and small dogs, given the 10 mg/kg dosage. The oral suspension (100 mg/5 ml) is more practical for smaller individuals.

Give with or without food.

Plumb DC. Linezolid. Plumb’s Veterinary Drugs. Updated June 2020.