Pharmacokinetics and Safety of Linezolid Tablets of 2 Different Manufacturers in Healthy Chinese Subjects in Fasting and Fed States

This study aimed to evaluate the pharmacokinetics (PKs) and safety of a generic drug, linezolid, compared to those of a reference drug in healthy Chinese subjects under both fasting and fed conditions. This was a randomized, open-label, 2-period, 2-sequence crossover study. The subjects received a single dose of the test or reference drug, linezolid (600 mg), in each period. The PK parameters were calculated using a non-compartmental method and compared between the 2 drugs. Bioequivalence was analyzed using geometric mean ratios (GMRs) of the 2 formulations and their corresponding 90% confidence intervals (CIs). The safety of the 2 formulations was assessed under both fasting and fed conditions. Forty-eight subjects completed the study, 24 each in the fasting and feeding groups. The average plasma concentration-time patterns of linezolid were similar for both medications under both conditions. The GMR and 90% CIs of the maximum plasma concentration and the area under the plasma concentration-time curve of linezolid were ranged from 0.80 to 1.25. Both drugs were well tolerated with a similar incidence of adverse drug reactions. In conclusion, the PK and safety profiles of the 2 formulations were comparable. Food intake did not influence the PK profiles of linezolid. These results suggest that the test drug can be used as an alternative to reference drugs.