Linezolid

Linezolid

Linezolid is an antibiotic used for the treatment of infections caused by Gram-positive bacteria that are resistant to other antibiotics. The main uses are infections of the skin and pneumonia although it may be used for a variety of other infections including drug-resistant tuberculosis. As a protein synthesis inhibitor, linezolid works by suppressing bacterial protein production.

About Linezolid in brief

Summary LinezolidLinezolid is an antibiotic used for the treatment of infections caused by Gram-positive bacteria that are resistant to other antibiotics. The main uses are infections of the skin and pneumonia although it may be used for a variety of other infections including drug-resistant tuberculosis. As a protein synthesis inhibitor, linezolid works by suppressing bacterial protein production. It can be used in people of all ages and in people with liver disease or poor kidney function. Common side effects with short-term use include headache, diarrhea, rash, and nausea. Serious side effects may include serotonin syndrome, bone marrow suppression, and high blood lactate levels, particularly when used for more than two weeks. If used for longer periods it may cause nerve damage, including optic nerve damage,. which may be irreversible. The manufacturer advises against the use of linezolic for community-acquired pneumonia or uncomplicated skin and soft tissue infections caused. by MRSA. In the United Kingdom, pneumonia and cSSSIs are the only indications noted in the product labeling. In a 2004 open-label study, it was as effective as ampicillinsulbactam and amoxicillinclavulanic acid, and far superior in patients with foot ulcers and no osteomyelitis, but with significantly higher rates of adverse effects. A 2008 meta-analysis of 18 randomized trials found that lineZolid treatment failed often regardless of whether patients had osteomyleitis.

Some recommended that combinations of cheaper or more cost-effective drugs be tried before line zolid was used. No significant difference appears in treatment success between linezsolid, glycopeptide antibiotics and beta-lactam antibiotics in thetreatment of pneumonia. The World Health Organization classifies linezSolid as critically important for human medicine. It is a member of the oxazolidinone class of medications. Linezolid was discovered in the mid 1990s, and was approved for commercial use in 2000. It is on the World Health Organisation’s List of Essential Medicines. In the U.S., the indications for linez solid are the treatment. of vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium infections, with or without bacterial invasion of the bloodstream; nosocomial pneumonia and community- Acquired pneumonia caused by S. aureus or S. pneumoniae; complicated skin and skin structure infections, including diabetic foot infection, unless complicated by osteomyellitis. In Europe, the indications are the. treatment of nursing pneumonia and nausea with or without bacterial invasion of the  bloodstream; and uncomplication skin and tissue infections caused by S. pyogenes or S. aureus or Pneumon e. In Australia, the indication is nussocomial pulmonary  infections, with or without bacterial involvement of the bloodstream.