Abstract:

Management of infections due to resistant gram positive microorganisms such as metisilin resistant Staphylococcus aureus, vancomycin resistant enterococcus, penicillin resistant pneumococcus is a new challenge for physicians by increasingly rates of antibiotic resistance. Linezolid which is an agent used for the treatment of these resistant gram positive bacterial infections is a member of oxazolidinones. The mechanism of action is involving inhibition of the initiation of bacterial protein synthesis coupling ribosomal 50 S unit. It is bacteriostatic against most bacteria. The most important adverse effect is hematologic toxicity (thrombocytopenia and anemia) especially in longer usage more than four weeks. Antimicrobial spectrum, clinical use and adverse effects of linezolid is summarized in this review.  

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