Antimicrobials
Linezolid

Linezolid

Low
Excellent
PO: $3/day IV: $42/day

Spectrum of Activity

Dosing

General Information

Targeted or empiric therapy for gram positive infections including skin and soft tissue, and pneumonia.

Covers MRSA and Vancomycin resistant Enterococcus.

Has toxin mediating effects with Strep (similar to clindamycin).

CBC at least once/week

Visual testing for therapy >3 months or if symptoms develop on therapy

  • Serotonin syndrome - ok to give with serotonergic meds but counsel patients, stop if symptoms of serotonin syndrome arise
  • Rash
  • Elevated liver enzymes
  • Lactic acidosis
  • Myelosuppression (usually with >2weeks therapy)- reversible
  • Peripheral/optic neuropathy with prolonged courses

SSRI and other serotonergics/MAOIs - Increased risk of serotonin syndrome.

Rifampin decreases linezolid levels.

Restricted to Infectious Diseases

Antimicrobial class: Oxazolidinone

Pregnancy category: C

Average serum half life: 5 hours

CSF penetration: Therapeutic

Lung penetration: Therapeutic

Urine penetration: Therapeutic