Linezolid
Linezolid
Linezolid (pronounced: /ˌlaɪnəˈzɒlɪd/) is an antibiotic used for the treatment of serious infections caused by Gram-positive bacteria that are resistant to other antibiotics.
Etymology
The term "Linezolid" is derived from the chemical name (S)-N-3-(3-Fluoro-4-morpholinophenyl)-2-oxo-5-oxazolidinylmethyl]-acetamide. It belongs to the class of synthetic antibiotics known as the oxazolidinones.
Usage
Linezolid is primarily used to treat severe bacterial infections that have not responded to other antibiotic treatments. It is effective against infections such as pneumonia, skin infections, and infections resistant to other antibiotics, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus.
Mechanism of Action
Linezolid works by inhibiting the initiation of bacterial protein synthesis. It binds to the 23S portion of the 50S subunit of the bacterial ribosome, preventing the formation of a functional 70S initiation complex, which is an essential component of the bacterial translation process.
Side Effects
Common side effects of Linezolid include diarrhea, nausea, headache, and vomiting. Serious side effects may include peripheral neuropathy, pancreatitis, and bone marrow suppression which can result in low blood cell levels.
Related Terms
- Oxazolidinone
- Antibiotic
- Gram-positive bacteria
- Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)
- Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus
- Peripheral neuropathy
- Pancreatitis
- Bone marrow suppression
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Linezolid
- Wikipedia's article - Linezolid
This WikiMD dictionary article is a stub. You can help make it a full article.
Languages: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
Urdu,
বাংলা,
తెలుగు,
தமிழ்,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
русский,
português do Brasil,
Italian,
polski