Linezolid

Background Multidrug-resistant organisms continue to challenge the clinical and microbiological effectiveness of bactericidal antibiotics. New drugs with different mechanisms of action are needed. Linezolid, the first in a novel class of antibiotics called oxazolidinones, was approved by the FDA in April 2000 for treatment of multidrug-resistant gram-positive infections in adults.

Spectrum of Action: Linezolid has been shown to be active, both in vitro and clinically, against vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus (both methicillin-sensitive and methicillin-resistant), Streptococcus agalactiae, Streptococcus neumoniae (penicillin-susceptible strains only), and Streptococcus pyogenes. Its safety and effecti…