What is the generic name for Arlin 600 mg?

October 9, 2025 •

2 min read

Approximately 100 million antibiotic prescriptions are written in the U.S. every year, and understanding the active ingredient is crucial. For patients prescribed the brand-name medication Arlin 600 mg, the key question arises: What is the generic name for Arlin 600 mg? The generic name is linezolid, a powerful antibiotic used to combat serious bacterial infections.

Quick Summary

Arlin 600 mg is a brand-name medication containing the active ingredient linezolid, a synthetic antibiotic used to treat severe bacterial infections like pneumonia and certain skin infections, including those caused by drug-resistant bacteria.

Key Points

Generic Name: The generic name for Arlin 600 mg is linezolid.
Drug Class: Linezolid is an oxazolidinone antibiotic, a class of medication that inhibits bacterial protein synthesis.
Infection Treatment: It is used for severe bacterial infections, including pneumonia, skin infections, and those resistant to other antibiotics like MRSA.
Mechanism of Action: It works by binding to a specific part of the bacterial ribosome, preventing the initiation of protein synthesis.
Important Interactions: Due to its MAOI properties, linezolid can interact with certain foods (tyramine) and other medications (serotonergic drugs).
Common Side Effects: Common adverse effects include nausea, headache, diarrhea, and decreased blood cell counts.
Long-term Effects: Serious side effects like peripheral neuropathy and optic neuropathy are more likely with use exceeding 28 days.
Generic Availability: Generic linezolid is widely available and typically more affordable than brand-name versions.

What Is Linezolid?

Linezolid is a synthetic antibacterial agent belonging to the oxazolidinone class. This class has a unique mechanism of action effective against bacteria, including resistant strains. Approved in 2000, it's considered a critically important medication.

How Linezolid Works

Linezolid targets bacterial protein synthesis. It binds to the 23S ribosomal RNA of the 50S subunit, preventing the formation of the 70S initiation complex needed for protein synthesis. This action can be bacteriostatic or bactericidal depending on the bacterial strain.

Uses and Indications for Linezolid

Linezolid treats serious bacterial infections, including drug-resistant strains. Indications include Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococcus (VRE) infections (with or without bacteremia), nosocomial pneumonia (including MRSA), community-acquired pneumonia (S. pneumoniae and MRSA), and complicated skin and skin structure infections (cSSSI) like diabetic foot infections and MRSA infections.

Potential Side Effects

Linezolid can cause side effects, more common with long-term use (over 28 days). Common side effects include headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, taste changes, and decreased blood cell counts. Serious side effects can include myelosuppression, peripheral and optic neuropathy (with long-term therapy), serotonin syndrome (especially with other serotonergic drugs), and lactic acidosis.

Drug and Food Interactions

As a weak monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), linezolid interacts with certain medications and foods. Serotonergic agents can increase the risk of serotonin syndrome. Sympathomimetic agents may have an enhanced effect. Avoiding large amounts of tyramine-rich foods is recommended to prevent increased blood pressure.

Comparison of Linezolid and Arlin

Arlin and generic linezolid are therapeutically equivalent. Differences are mainly in manufacturer, cost, and marketing.


Feature	Arlin 600 mg	Linezolid (Generic)
Active Ingredient	Linezolid	Linezolid
Drug Class	Oxazolidinone Antibiotic	Oxazolidinone Antibiotic
Cost	Typically higher, as a brand-name drug	Often significantly lower than brand-name version
Availability	Availability depends on market and brand; Arlin is marketed by Beximco Pharmaceuticals	Available from various manufacturers, offering wider generic availability
Formulation	Available in tablets, IV infusion, and oral suspension	Available in tablets, IV infusion, and oral suspension
Bioavailability	100% oral bioavailability, meaning IV-to-oral switch is seamless	100% oral bioavailability, a key pharmacokinetic advantage
Indication	Treats severe bacterial infections	Treats severe bacterial infections

Conclusion

The generic name for Arlin 600 mg is linezolid, a potent oxazolidinone antibiotic. It is primarily used for severe, often resistant, bacterial infections and works by inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis initiation. While generally safe for short-term use, it's important to be aware of side effects and drug/food interactions. Generic linezolid, being therapeutically equivalent, offers an affordable and accessible option.

To learn more about this medication and other drug information, consult the MedlinePlus drug database.

Frequently Asked Questions

The active ingredient in Arlin 600 mg is linezolid.

Arlin and Zyvox are both brand names for the same generic medication, linezolid. Zyvox is the brand name in the United States, while Arlin is marketed in other countries by Beximco Pharmaceuticals.

Linezolid treats severe bacterial infections, including hospital-acquired pneumonia, complicated skin and skin structure infections, and infections caused by drug-resistant bacteria like MRSA and VRE.

Yes, linezolid can be taken with or without food. Taking it with food may help reduce common gastrointestinal side effects like nausea.

You should avoid consuming large quantities of tyramine-rich foods, such as aged cheeses, smoked or cured meats, and fermented products, to prevent a dangerous rise in blood pressure.

Dosage information for linezolid should be provided by a healthcare professional based on the specific infection being treated and individual patient factors.

One of the most significant risks of long-term linezolid use (exceeding 28 days) is myelosuppression, which can cause low blood cell counts, and neuropathy affecting nerves or vision.

Yes, generic linezolid is widely available and approved by regulatory agencies in various forms, including tablets, oral suspension, and intravenous solutions.