Linezolid (Linezolid)
Overview of Linezolid
Linezolid is a synthetic antibacterial, belongs to oxazolidinone class. Linezolid is active against gram +ve bacteria including staphylococci. streptococci, enterococci, gram +ve anaerobic cocci, and gram +ve rods. It has poor activity against gram -ve aerobic and anaerobic organisms. Linezolid is bacteriostatic against enterococci and staphylococci and bactericidal against streptococci. It produces its action by inhibiting protein synthesis within the bacterial cell. Linezolid is used in the treatment of infections caused by vancomycin-resistant E. faecium; nosocomial pneumonia caused by methicillin-susceptible and resistant strains of S. aureus, and complicated skin and soft tissue infections caused by gram +ve bacteria.
Indication of Linezolid
Linezolid is primarily indicated in conditions like Pneumonia, Respiratory tract infections, Severe or recurrent duodenal and gastric ulcertion, Skin infections.
Contraindication of Linezolid
Linezolid is contraindicated in conditions like Breast feeding.
Side Effects of Linezolid
The severe or irreversible adverse effects of Linezolid, which give rise to further complications include Convulsions, Stevens johnson syndrome, Stevens johnson syndrome, Leucopenia, Pancytopenia, Abnormal liver function, Anaemia, Lactic acidosis.,The signs and symptoms that are produced after the acute overdosage of Linezolid include Weakness.,The symptomatic adverse reactions produced by Linezolid are more or less tolerable and if they become severe, they can be treated symptomatically, these include Dizziness, Headache, Fatigue, Diarrhea, Fever, Constipation, Insomnia, Tinnitus, Dry mouth, Rashes, Urticaria, Pruritus, Hypotension, Nausea and vomiting, Tongue discoloration, Neuropathy, Dry mouth, dizziness.
Precautions of Linezolid
Linezolid should be used with caution in patients with hepatic impairment; renal impairment; pregnancy (use only if potential benefit outweighs risk); monitor full blood count (including platelet count) weekly uless close observation and blood-pressure monitoring possible, avoid in uncontrolled hypertension, phaeocytochroma, carcinoid tumour, thyrotoxicosis, bipolar depression, schizophrenia, or acute confusional states. Monoamine Oxidase Inhibition: Linezolid is a reversible, non-selective monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI). Patients should avoid consuming large amounts of tyramine-rich foods (such as mature cheese, yeast extracts, undistilled alcoholic beverages and fermented soya bean products). In addition, Linezolid should not be given with another MAOI or within two weeks of stopping another MAOI.Unless close observation and blood-pressure monitoringis possible, avoid in those receiving SSRIs, 5HT1 agonists (triptans), tricyclic antidepressants, sympathomimitics, dopaminergics, buspirone, pethidine and possibly other opiod analgesics.