Last reviewed 2026-04-23 · How we verify

Intravenous linezolid

Linezolid inhibits bacterial protein synthesis by binding to the 50S ribosomal subunit, preventing peptide bond formation.

Linezolid inhibits bacterial protein synthesis by binding to the 50S ribosomal subunit, preventing peptide bond formation. Used for Gram-positive bacterial infections including MRSA and VRE, Nosocomial pneumonia, Complicated skin and soft tissue infections.

At a glance

Mechanism of action

Linezolid is an oxazolidinone antibiotic that binds to the bacterial 23S rRNA component of the 50S ribosomal subunit, blocking the formation of the initiation complex and preventing translation. This mechanism is effective against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, including many resistant strains such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE).

Approved indications

• Gram-positive bacterial infections including MRSA and VRE
• Nosocomial pneumonia
• Complicated skin and soft tissue infections
• Community-acquired pneumonia

Common side effects

• Thrombocytopenia
• Anemia
• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Headache
• Peripheral neuropathy
• Optic neuropathy

Key clinical trials

• Testing a Novel Combination Treatment (Arm D) Versus Standard of Care for Intensive Phase Treatment for Mycobacterium Abscessus Pulmonary Disease in People With or Without Cystic Fibrosis in the Finding the Optimal Regimen for Mycobacterium Abscessus Treatment (FORMaT) Adaptive Platform Trial (PHASE2)
• Prospective, Randomized, Multicenter Clinical Trial of Bisphosphonates Combined With Vancomycin for the Treatment of Cierny-Mader Type I and III Osteomyelitis (PHASE3)
• Oral Antimicrobial Treatment vs. Outpatient Parenteral for Infective Endocarditis (PHASE4)
• Comparing Oral Versus Parenteral Antimicrobial Therapy (PHASE4)
• Finding the Optimal Regimen for Mycobacterium Abscessus Treatment (PHASE2, PHASE3)
• Ampicillin and Ceftriaxone for the Treatment of Enterococcus Faecalis Infective Endocarditis. (PHASE4)
• Efficacy of Intravenous N-Acetylcysteine in Preventing Linezolid-Induced Thrombocytopenia in Critically Ill Patients (PHASE4)
• Early Intravenous to Oral Antibiotic Switch in Uncomplicated Staphylococcus Aureus Bacteraemia (PHASE3)

Primary sources

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