{blacktriangledown}Linezolid for Gram-positive infections

doi:10.1136/dtb.2001.39754

Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin 2001;39:54-56; doi:10.1136/dtb.2001.39754

${blacktriangledown}$ Linezolid for Gram-positive infections

Relevant BNF section: 5.1.7

&#9660Linezolid* (Zyvox - Pharmacia) - the first oxazolidinoneantibacterial - is marketed in the UK for treating hospital-and community-acquired pneumonia, skin and soft tissue infections.The manufacturer claims that switching from i.v. to oral administrationof linezolid needs no dose adjustment and "will lead to earlypatient discharge and reduced hospital length of stay" for patientsneeding treatment for infections caused by Gram-positive bacteria,including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).¹Here, we assess the place of linezolid.