Antimicrobials
Linezolid

Linezolid

Low
Excellent
IV: $$$ PO: $

Dosing

General Information

  • Targeted or empiric therapy for gram positive infections including skin and soft tissue, and pneumonia
  • Covers MRSA and VRE
  • CBC at least once/week
  • Visual testing for therapy >3 months or if symptoms develop on therapy
  • Serotonin syndrome

  • Rash

  • Elevated liver enzymes

  • Lactic acidosis

  • Myelosuppression (usually with >2weeks therapy)- reversible

  • Peripheral/optic neuropathy with prolonged courses

  • MAOIs: contraindicated due to serotonin toxicity risk
  • SSRI and other serotonergics: increased risk of serotonin syndrome
    • Concomitant use of linezolid and SSRIs inpatient is reasonable risk/benefit ratio has been assessed and with close observation for s/s of Serotonin Syndrome
    • May not be appropriate for use in conjunction with SSRIs for outpatients
  • Rifampin decreases linezolid levels

Antimicrobial class: Oxazolidinone

Pregnancy category: C

Average serum half life: 5 hours

Urine penetration: Therapeutic

Lung penetration: Therapeutic

CSF penetration: Therapeutic