 Linezolid is metabolized in the liver , by oxidation of the morpholine ring , without involvement of the cytochrome P450 system . This metabolic pathway leads to two major inactive metabolites ( which each account for around 45 % and 10 % of an excreted dose at steady state ) , one minor metabolite , and several trace metabolites , none of which accounts for more than 1 % of an excreted dose . Clearance of linezolid varies with age and gender ; it is fastest in children ( which accounts for the shorter half @-@ life ) , and appears to be 20 % lower in women than in men . 
