Two medicines, side by side
Linezolid vs metronidazole
Linezolid and metronidazole are both labeled for bacterial infections. Drugs@FDA records approvals of linezolid since 2000 and of metronidazole since 1963. Pharmacies paid $1.44 per linezolid 600 mg tablet and $0.102 per metronidazole 250 mg tablet (NADAC, October 7, 2026); the strengths differ, so the two prices are not like for like. Metronidazole's other strengths are brand-only: $2.60 per mL (Likmez 500 mg/5 mL suspension). In FDA's classes, linezolid is an oxazolidinone antibacterial and metronidazole a nitroimidazole antimicrobial.
Check it at the source: the linezolid FDA label on DailyMed (effective June 19, 2026); the metronidazole FDA label on DailyMed (effective September 3, 2024).
Highlights of the linezolid record
Linezolid (Zyvox) · label of June 19, 2026
Used for
From the label: indicationsLinezolid injection is an oxazolidinone-class antibacterial indicated in adults and children for the treatment of the following infections caused by susceptible Gram-positive bacteria: Nosocomial pneumonia ( 1.1 ); Community-acquired pneumonia ( 1.2 ); Complicated skin and skin structure infections, including diabetic foot infections, without concomitant osteomyelitis ( 1.3 ); […]
On the market
- Earliest approval on file
- April 18, 2000
- Generic labelers
- 24 labelers
- Pharmacy cost
- $1.44 per tablet
Supply and safety
- Shortage
- No current entry
- Recalls
- 4
Highlights of the metronidazole record
Metronidazole (Flagyl) · label of September 3, 2024
Metronidazole has been shown to be carcinogenic in mice and rats (see PRECAUTIONS ). Unnecessary use of the drug should be avoided. Its use should be reserved for the conditions described in the INDICATIONS AND USAGE section below.
Used for
From the label: indicationsSymptomatic Trichomoniasis. Metronidazole tablets are indicated for the treatment of T. vaginalis infection in females and males when the presence of the trichomonad has been confirmed by appropriate laboratory procedures (wet smears and/or cultures). Asymptomatic Trichomoniasis. […]
On the market
- Earliest approval on file
- July 18, 1963
- Generic labelers
- 55 labelers
- Pharmacy cost
- $0.102 per tablet
Supply and safety
- Shortage
- In shortage
- Recalls
- 7
Source: FDA drug labels via openFDA (Linezolid label of June 19, 2026, Metronidazole label of September 3, 2024); NDC Directory, Drugs@FDA, NADAC, FDA shortages and recalls (October 8, 2026)
How do linezolid and metronidazole differ on the record?
In FDA's classes, linezolid is an oxazolidinone antibacterial and metronidazole a nitroimidazole antimicrobial.
Only the metronidazole label carries a boxed warning.
Generics: linezolid since 2012; metronidazole since 1984 (Drugs@FDA).
| Linezolid | Metronidazole | |
|---|---|---|
| Labeled for | Bacterial infections | Bacterial infections |
| Pharmacologic class | Oxazolidinone Antibacterial | Nitroimidazole Antimicrobial |
| How it works (label) | Linezolid is an antibacterial drug [ see Microbiology (12.4) ]. | n/a |
| Half-life (label) | n/a | The elimination half-life, measured during the first 3 days of life, was inversely related to gestational age. |
| Earliest approval on file (Drugs@FDA) | April 18, 2000 | July 18, 1963 |
| First generic approved | June 27, 2012 | December 6, 1984 |
| Generic labelers (NDC) | 24 labelers | 55 labelers |
| Pharmacy cost (NADAC, each one's most listed form; strengths differ) | $1.44 per tablet (Linezolid 600 mg tablet) | $0.102 per tablet (Metronidazole 250 mg tablet) |
| 12-month price change | -2% | +10% |
| Boxed warning | No | Yes |
| Shortage now | No current entry | In shortage |
| Recalls recorded | 4 | 7 |
| FAERS reports (a report is not proof of cause; counts follow how widely a medicine is used) | 29,594 | 63,553 |
| DEA schedule | none | none |
Source: Drugs@FDA, FDA NDC Directory, CMS NADAC of October 7, 2026, FDA shortages and recalls, FAERS via openFDA (FDA files October 8, 2026)
What next?
- Alternatives to linezolid
- every medicine labeled for the same conditions