Linezolid

Linezolid is an oxazolidinone antimicrobial agent. It is a bacteriostatic agent.

Spectrum of action

MRSA (Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus areus), some VRSA (Vancomycin resistant Staphylococcus areus), VRE (Vancomycin resistant enterococci), Streptococcus pyogenes, S. viridans, S. pneumoniae, Clostridia, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Listeria.

Mechanism of action

It binds to the 23S fraction of the 50S subunit of the bacterial ribosome. It prevents the formation of N-formyl methionine tRNA – 70S ribosome complex, thus preventing protein synthesis. Since the drug has a different site of action, it does not have cross resistance with other antimicrobial agents.

Pharmacokinetics

It is well absorbed orally.

Uses

Linezolid should not be used for simple infections to prevent development of resistance. It is used for severe hospital acquired pneumonias, wound infections by MRSA, VRSA, and in febrile neutropenia.

It is not useful for treatment of enterococcal bacterial endocarditis as it is only bacteriostatic.

Dosage

600 mg twice daily, oral or intravenous.