The Basics
What is Linezolid?
Used to treat infections, including pneumonia, and infections of the skin.
Brand names for Linezolid
Zyvox
How Linezolid is classified
Anti-Infective Agents, Anti-Bacterial Agents
Linezolid During Pregnancy
Linezolid pregnancy category
Category CNote that the FDA has deprecated the use of pregnancy categories, so for some medications, this information isn’t available. We still think it’s useful to list historical info, however, given what a common proxy this has been in the past.
What we know about taking Linezolid while pregnant
N/A
Taking Linezolid While Breastfeeding
What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Linezolid?
Linezolid is excreted into breastmilk in concentration likely to be effective against staphylococcal strains found in mastitis.[1][2][3] Limited data indicate that the maximum dose an infant would receive through breastmilk would be much less than the standard infant dose and that resulting infant serum levels are trivial. If linezolid is required by the mother, it is not a reason to discontinue breastfeeding. Monitor the infant for possible effects on the gastrointestinal tract, such as diarrhea, vomiting, and candidiasis (e.g., thrush, diaper rash). However, because there is no published experience with linezolid during breastfeeding, an alternate drug may be preferred, especially while nursing a newborn or preterm infant.
Maternal / infant drug levels
Linezolid is excreted into breastmilk in concentration likely to be effective against staphylococcal strains found in mastitis.[1][2][3] Limited data indicate that the maximum dose an infant would receive through breastmilk would be much less than the standard infant dose and that resulting infant serum levels are trivial. If linezolid is required by the mother, it is not a reason to discontinue breastfeeding. Monitor the infant for possible effects on the gastrointestinal tract, such as diarrhea, vomiting, and candidiasis (e.g., thrush, diaper rash). However, because there is no published experience with linezolid during breastfeeding, an alternate drug may be preferred, especially while nursing a newborn or preterm infant.
Possible effects of Linezolid on milk supply
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Possible alternatives to Linezolid
(Methicillin-resistant Staph. aureus) Doxycycline, Minocycline, Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole, Vancomycin.
List of References
Lactation sources: Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); 2006-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501922/1. Delgado S, Arroyo R, Jimenez E et al. Staphylococcus epidermidis strains isolated from breast milk of women suffering infectious mastitis: potential virulence traits and resistance to antibiotics. BMC Microbiol. 2009;9:82. PMID: 19422689
2. Sagirli O, Onal A, Toker S, Oztunc A. Determination of linezolid in human breast milk by high-performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection. J AOAC Int. 2009;92:1658-62. PMID: 20166583
3. Rowe HE, Felkins K, Cooper SD, Hale TW. Transfer of linezolid into breast milk. J Hum Lact. 2014;30:410-2. PMID: 25098610
4. Lim FH, Lovering AM, Currie A et al. Linezolid and lactation: Measurement of drug levels in breast milk and the nursing infant. J Antimicrob Chemother. 2017;72:2677-8. Letter. PMID: 28541475
Disclaimer: This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult your healthcare provider with any questions.
