Linezolid

Background

• Oxazolidinone antibiotic

Mechanism of Action

• Inhibits the 50S ribosome of Gram-positive bacteria

Spectrum of Activity

• Active against Gram-positive bacteria
• Not active against Gram-negative bacteria

Dosing

• Linezolid 600 mg PO/IV q12h

Adverse Drug Reactions

• Serotonin syndrome when taken concurrently with certain psychiatric medications
  • Ideally hold SSRIs when starting linezolid
• Cytopenias, including thrombocytopenia (most common), anemia, and leukopenia (least common)
  • More common with prolonged use, e.g. after 2 weeks