Last reviewed · How we verify
Linezolid (LZD)
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 Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections, Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE) infections, Gram-positive bacterial infections including pneumonia and skin infections.
At a glance
| Generic name | Linezolid (LZD) |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | Wuhan Pulmonary Hospital |
| Drug class | Oxazolidinone antibiotic |
| Target | Bacterial 50S ribosomal subunit (23S rRNA) |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Infectious Disease |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
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 required for protein synthesis. This bacteriostatic action is effective against a broad range of gram-positive bacteria, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE). Its unique mechanism allows it to penetrate tissues well and achieve good intracellular concentrations.
Approved indications
- Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections
- Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium (VRE) infections
- Gram-positive bacterial infections including pneumonia and skin infections
Common side effects
- Thrombocytopenia
- Anemia
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Peripheral neuropathy (with prolonged use)
- Optic neuropathy (with prolonged use)
Key clinical trials
- Trial of Novel Regimens for the Treatment of Pulmonary Tuberculosis (PHASE2)
- Therapeutic Drug Monitoring for Linezolid in the Treatment of Rifampin-resistant Tuberculosis (NA)
- Microbiological Characteristics of Biofilm on Double J Ureteral Stents After Lithotripsy. (PHASE4)
- Innovating Shorter, All- Oral, Precised Treatment Regimen for Rifampicin Resistant Tuberculosis：BLMZ Chinese Cohort (PHASE3)
- Trial of a Six-Month Regimen of High-Dose Rifampicin, High-Dose Isoniazid, Linezolid, and Pyrazinamide Versus a Standard Nine-Month Regimen for the Treatment of Adults and Adolescents With Tuberculous Meningitis (PHASE2)
- Bacteriophage Therapy for Mycobacterium Abscessus Pulmonary Infection (PHASE1)
- Pharmacokinetic Properties of Antiretroviral and Anti-Tuberculosis Drugs During Pregnancy and Postpartum
- 6 Months of Bedaquiline(BDQ), Delamanid(DLM), Linezolid(LZD) and Levofloxacin(LFX) in RR-TB Patients in Hubei Province (NA)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- Linezolid (LZD) CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Linezolid (LZD) updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- Wuhan Pulmonary Hospital portfolio CI