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Linezolid

Prescription
Oxazolidinone Antibiotic
Last reviewed 21 Apr 2026 · PetCare.AI Editorial Team
Species
Dog, Cat
Brands
1 available
Interactions
3 documented
Formulations
3

Mechanism of action

Inhibits bacterial protein synthesis by binding to the 23S ribosomal RNA of the 50S subunit, preventing formation of the 70S initiation complex. Unique binding site — no cross-resistance with any other antibiotic class. Active against MRSA, VRE, and all gram-positives.

At a glance

Class
Oxazolidinone Antibiotic
Schedule
Prescription
Storage
Store at room temperature; IV bags protect from light; oral suspension use within 21 days

Dosing

🐕

Dog

Reserved for MDR gram-positive infections (MRSA, MRSP, VRE)
Dose
10 mg/kg
Route
PO, IV
Frequency
q12h
🐈

Cat

Same as dogs
Dose
10 mg/kg
Route
PO, IV
Frequency
q12h

Formulations

💊

Other — 3

Strength
—
Strength
—
Strength
—

Storage

Store at room temperature; IV bags protect from light; oral suspension use within 21 days

Safety

Monitoring parameters

CBC weekly (thrombocytopenia)Clinical responseNeurological exam (neuropathy with >28 days use)Lactate if clinical concernLimit duration to ≤28 days if possible

Interactions

Contraindicated — 1

Selegiline (L-Deprenyl)
contraindicated
Two MAO inhibitors (linezolid: reversible MAO-A; selegiline: irreversible MAO-B, with MAO-A activity at high doses): risk of hypertensive crisis and serotonin syndrome.
Management: NEVER combine. Allow 2-week washout of selegiline before linezolid.

Major — 2

Tramadol
major
Linezolid has weak reversible MAO-A inhibitory activity. Tramadol inhibits serotonin reuptake. Combined: serotonin syndrome risk.
Management: Avoid. If antibiotic needed with tramadol, use non-MAO-inhibiting antibiotic. If linezolid essential, use non-serotonergic opioid.
Fluoxetine
major
Linezolid (weak MAO-A inhibitor) + SSRI: serotonin syndrome risk (hyperthermia, seizures, rigidity).
Management: Avoid combination. If linezolid essential, taper SSRI before starting (fluoxetine requires 5-week washout due to long half-life metabolite).

Brands

Other markets

Zyvox

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

›What is Linezolid?
Linezolid is a oxazolidinone antibiotic used in pets. Inhibits bacterial protein synthesis by binding to the 23S ribosomal RNA of the 50S subunit, preventing formation of the 70S initiation complex. Unique binding site — no cross-resistance with any other antibiotic class. Active against MRSA, VRE, and all gram-positives.
›What is Linezolid used for in pets?
Linezolid is used in veterinary medicine for: Reserved for MDR gram-positive infections (MRSA, MRSP, VRE); Same as dogs.
›What is the Linezolid dose for dogs?
For dogs, Linezolid is typically dosed as follows — Reserved for MDR gram-positive infections (MRSA, MRSP, VRE): 10 mg/kg PO/IV q12h. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What is the Linezolid dose for cats?
For cats, Linezolid is typically dosed as follows — Same as dogs: 10 mg/kg PO/IV q12h. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›Does Linezolid need a prescription?
Yes. Linezolid is a prescription medication and should only be administered under veterinary supervision.

References

References

Textbooks & handbooks

  • Plumb, D.C. Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2023.
  • Vail, D.M., Thamm, D.H., & Liptak, J.M. (eds.). Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology. 6th ed., Saunders/Elsevier, 2020.
  • Riviere, J.E., & Papich, M.G. (eds.). Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2018.
  • National Research Council. Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats. National Academies Press, Washington DC, 2006.
  • The Merck Veterinary Manual. Merck & Co., Online edition. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/

Clinical guidelines & consensus

  • Fletcher, D.J., Boller, M., Brainard, B.M., et al. "RECOVER Evidence and Knowledge Gap Analysis on Veterinary CPR." Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care, 2012;22(S1):S102–S131.
  • American Animal Hospital Association. 2018 AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines for Dogs and Cats. AAHA Press.

Journals & peer-reviewed studies

  • Hogan, D.F., Fox, P.R., Jacob, K., et al. "Secondary prevention of cardiogenic arterial thromboembolism in the cat: The FAT CAT study." Journal of Veterinary Cardiology, 2015;17(Suppl 1):S306–S317.
  • Boswood, A., Häggström, J., Gordon, S.G., et al. "Effect of Pimobendan in Dogs with Preclinical Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease and Cardiomegaly: The EPIC Study — A Randomized Clinical Trial." Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 2016;30(6):1765–1779.
  • ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Toxicology and Poison Management Guidelines. American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control

Regulatory & approvals

  • Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), Government of India. Veterinary Drug Approval Registry, 1969–2026. Directorate General of Health Services. https://cdsco.gov.in/

Databases

  • Washington State University, College of Veterinary Medicine. Veterinary Clinical Pharmacology Laboratory (VCPL) — MDR1 Multidrug Sensitivity Database. https://vcpl.vetmed.wsu.edu/
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →