Antimicrobials
Linezolid

Linezolid

Low
Excellent

Dosing

General Information

  • Targeted or empiric therapy for gram positive infections including skin and soft tissue, and pneumonia.
  • Bacteriostatic, do not use 1st line for suspected/confirmed invasive bloodstream infections.
  • Covers MRSA and VRE.

CBC at least once/week

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

  • Rash
  • Elevated liver enzymes
  • Lactic acidosis
  • Myelosuppression esp. thrombocytopenia (usually with >2weeks therapy)- reversible
  • Serotonin syndrome (in combination w/ other serotonergic agents)
  • Peripheral/optic neuropathy with prolonged courses

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

Rifampin decreases linezolid levels.

Antimicrobial class: Oxazolidinone

Pregnancy category: C

Average serum half life: 5 hours

CSF penetration: Therapeutic

Lung penetration: Therapeutic

Urine penetration: Therapeutic