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Updated: Jan 8, 2026

Multiplex Therapeutic Drug Monitoring by Isotope-dilution HPLC-MS/MS of Antibiotics in Critical Illnesses
Published on: August 30, 2018
Dose optimization of linezolid among surgical patients: A population pharmacokinetic study
Background:
Linezolid is classified under the reserve group of antibiotics, and it exerts its antibacterial activity by disrupting protein synthesis. Clinically, linezolid is used for treatment of severe infections caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE). It is eliminated through both renal and hepatic routes. Being a narrow therapeutic index drug, linezolid needs special dosing considerations for safe and effective treatment.
Materials And Methods:
A plasma concentration dataset of 94 patients with 347 samples was used for development of a population pharmacokinetic model on NONMEM software. The influence of significant covariates on pharmacokinetic parameters was analyzed by stepwise covariate modeling, and dosing simulations were performed on the basis of significant covariates.
Results:
The data was best analyzed using a one-compartment model with first-order elimination. The clearance (CL) of linezolid was estimated as 3.38 L/h, while volume of distribution (Vd) was 36 L. The between-subject variability on linezolid CL was 29.8%, and that of Vd was 39.6%. Creatinine clearance (CrCl) and age of the patients were proven to be significant covariates on CL, while no significant covariate was observed for Vd during stepwise covariate modeling. The dosing simulations revealed that a different dose should be administered based on the CrCl of patients.
Conclusion:
The renal status and age of the patients are significant covariates responsible for linezolid CL, and a dose of 200, 300, 400, and 600 mg is appropriate for patients with CrCl of 20, 40, 80, and 120 mL/min, respectively.
Insights
Linezolid dosing should be adjusted based on patient age and kidney function. This pharmacokinetic study recommends specific linezolid doses for varying creatinine clearance levels to ensure effective treatment.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Infectious Diseases
- Clinical Pharmacy
Background:
- Linezolid is a crucial antibiotic for treating severe MRSA and VRE infections.
- It has a narrow therapeutic index, requiring careful dosing.
- Linezolid is eliminated via renal and hepatic pathways.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a population pharmacokinetic model for linezolid.
- To identify significant covariates affecting linezolid pharmacokinetics.
- To optimize linezolid dosing strategies based on patient characteristics.
Main Methods:
- Population pharmacokinetic modeling using NONMEM software.
- Analysis of 347 plasma samples from 94 patients.
- Stepwise covariate modeling to identify influencing factors.
Main Results:
- A one-compartment model with first-order elimination was established.
- Linezolid clearance (CL) was estimated at 3.38 L/h; volume of distribution (Vd) was 36 L.
- Creatinine clearance (CrCl) and patient age significantly impacted linezolid CL.
Conclusions:
- Renal status and age are key covariates for linezolid CL.
- Recommended linezolid doses: 200 mg (CrCl 20 mL/min), 300 mg (CrCl 40 mL/min), 400 mg (CrCl 80 mL/min), 600 mg (CrCl 120 mL/min).
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