Last reviewed 2026-04-23 · How we verify

Vancomycin / Linezolid

Vancomycin inhibits cell wall synthesis in Gram-positive bacteria, while Linezolid inhibits protein synthesis by binding to the 50S ribosomal subunit.

Vancomycin inhibits cell wall synthesis in Gram-positive bacteria, while Linezolid inhibits protein synthesis by binding to the 50S ribosomal subunit. Used for Treatment of complicated skin and skin structure infections (cSSSI), including those caused by susceptible Gram-positive bacteria, Treatment of hospital-acquired and ventilator-associated bacterial pneumonia (HABP/VABP).

At a glance

Mechanism of action

Vancomycin works by binding to the D-alanyl-D-alanine terminus of cell wall precursors, preventing their incorporation into the bacterial cell wall. Linezolid, on the other hand, binds to the 50S ribosomal subunit, inhibiting the initiation complex of peptide formation and thereby preventing protein synthesis in bacteria.

Approved indications

• Treatment of complicated skin and skin structure infections (cSSSI), including those caused by susceptible Gram-positive bacteria
• Treatment of hospital-acquired and ventilator-associated bacterial pneumonia (HABP/VABP)

Common side effects

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Diarrhea
• Headache
• Infusion site reaction

Key clinical trials

• Prospective, Randomized, Multicenter Clinical Trial of Bisphosphonates Combined With Vancomycin for the Treatment of Cierny-Mader Type I and III Osteomyelitis (PHASE3)
• Linezolid or Vancomycin Surgical Site Infection Prophylaxis (PHASE4)
• Clearance of Antibacterial Agents During Hemoperfusion in Patients With Sepsis
• Efficacy of Empirical Anti-Infective Therapy in Neutropenic Febrile Patients.
• Comparing Oral Versus Parenteral Antimicrobial Therapy (PHASE4)
• A Study of Safety and Efficacy of MK-1986 (Tedizolid Phosphate) and Comparator in Participants From Birth to Less Than 12 Years of Age With Acute Bacterial Skin and Skin Structure Infections (MK-1986-018) (PHASE3)
• Comparative Analysis of Nemonoxacin and Other Anti-methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (Anti-MRSA) Antimicrobial Therapy in Patients With Complicated Skin and Soft Tissue Infections (cSSTI): a Retrospective Chart Review Study
• Concentration Monitoring of Anti-infective Drugs in Human Cerebrospinal Fluid and Its Clinical Application

Primary sources

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