antibioticsbooks

Oxazolidinones
12
Agent: linezolid
Currently, linezolid is the only available member of
the oxazolidinone class. Thanks to its broad Grampositive
activity and excellent oral bioavailability,
linezolid has become a useful (albeit expensive)
antibiotic for the treatment of various resistant
Gram-positive infections. Its advantage over other
agents active against MRSA is its modern data
supporting its use for MRSA pneumonia.
Mechanism of Action
Linezolid is a protein synthesis inhibitor that binds
to the 50S ribosomal subunit, blocking the formation
of a stable 70S initiation complex and preventing
translation. This binding site is distinct from
other protein synthesis inhibitors.
Spectrum
Good: MSSA, MRSA, streptococci (including
multidrug-resistant S. pneumoniae), enterococci
(including VRE), Nocardia
Moderate: some atypicals, Mycobacterium
tuberculosis
Poor: all Gram-negatives, anaerobes