Arlin IV Infusion 300ml — Linezolid 2mg/ml (600mg) by Beximco Pharmaceuticals

Arlin IV Infusion 300ml — Linezolid 2mg/ml (600mg per bag) | Beximco Pharmaceuticals

Overview

Arlin IV Infusion contains Linezolid 2mg/mL in a 300mL ready-to-infuse bag, delivering a 600mg dose per bag — the standard adult dose for serious Gram-positive infections requiring IV therapy. IV linezolid is used for hospitalised patients with severe MRSA infections (pneumonia, bacteraemia, endocarditis, complicated skin/soft tissue infections), VRE infections, or any serious drug-resistant Gram-positive infection where immediate and reliable high-concentration antibiotic delivery is required. A critical clinical advantage is that once the patient is stable, IV linezolid can be seamlessly switched to oral linezolid tablets (600mg BD) with no loss of efficacy, due to linezolid's ~100% oral bioavailability — enabling earlier hospital discharge.

Indications for IV Linezolid

• MRSA pneumonia (HAP/VAP) — IV initially; step-down to oral when stable
• MRSA bacteraemia and septicaemia
• VRE bacteraemia and serious VRE infections
• Complicated skin and soft tissue infections (cSSTI) caused by MRSA — particularly severe diabetic foot infections requiring initial IV therapy
• MRSA endocarditis (in combination or as alternative when vancomycin not tolerated)
• Febrile neutropenia — Gram-positive coverage in combination regimens

Dosage and Administration

Ready-to-use — no reconstitution required. Administer by IV infusion over 30–120 minutes. Do not administer as IV bolus. Compatible with NS, D5W, and Ringer's lactate. Do not add other medications or supplements to the linezolid infusion bag. Switch to oral linezolid (600mg BD tablet) as soon as the patient can tolerate oral medication and clinical condition permits.

Critical Warnings — Diabetic Patients

• Withhold metformin during IV linezolid: Both drugs impair mitochondrial function — concurrent use significantly increases lactic acidosis risk. Withhold metformin for the full duration of linezolid treatment. Use IV insulin for glucose control in hospitalised diabetic patients on IV linezolid.
• SSRIs/SNRIs — serotonin syndrome: Check all medications before commencing IV linezolid; discontinue SSRIs/SNRIs with adequate washout if linezolid is essential.
• Blood glucose during MRSA infection and IV therapy: Severe MRSA infection causes profound hyperglycaemia — IV insulin infusion protocol (target BG 7–10 mmol/L) is standard for hospitalised diabetic patients.
• Peripheral neuropathy monitoring: Assess baseline neuropathy status; report any new or worsening tingling/numbness during IV therapy.
• FBC weekly: Thrombocytopenia risk; monitor platelets weekly — stop if <100 × 10⁹/L.
• Optic neuropathy: Report any visual changes immediately — diabetic retinopathy makes this especially important to distinguish from linezolid-related optic effects.

Side Effects

Infusion site reactions (phlebitis) common. GI symptoms (nausea, diarrhoea) common. Thrombocytopenia (monitor FBC weekly). Elevated LFTs (transient). Serotonin syndrome with serotonergic drugs. Lactic acidosis with mitochondrial inhibitors (especially metformin). Peripheral neuropathy and optic neuropathy with prolonged use (>28 days). Anaphylaxis rare.

Storage

Store below 25°C, protected from light. Ready-to-use — do not freeze. Use immediately once removed from outer packaging. Check for particulates before use. Keep out of reach of children.

Medical Disclaimer: For educational purposes only. IV linezolid is a hospital-use antibiotic requiring physician prescription and administration by trained nursing staff. Diabetic patients on metformin or SSRIs/SNRIs must have these reviewed before linezolid is initiated. Prescription required.