title: Linezolid for the treatment of drug-resistant infections.
abstract: Multidrug-resistant pathogens have become increasingly common in contemporary healthcare. Specific to Gram-positive pathogens, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is of particular concern, as it has been associated with increased hospital length of stay, higher healthcare expenditures and poorer outcomes. To date, linezolid is the first and only oxazolidinone approved by the US FDA for the treatment of infections caused by Gram-positive pathogens, including MRSA. This article will serve as a comprehensive review of linezolid, including an overview of the current market and its in vitro activity, with an in-depth review of its pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profile. Emphasis will be placed on clinical data for the drug, both on- and off-label. The article will conclude with a brief overview of linezolid's pharmacoeconomic implications and safety profile, followed by a commentary and 5-year prospective analysis remarking on the future of the antimicrobial field as it relates to MRSA.
authors.affiliation: Trauma/Surgical Critical Care Pharmacist, Froedtert Hospital, 9200 West Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA. dherrman@fmlh.edu
authors.forename: David J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Herrmann
authors.forename: William J
authors.initials: WJ
authors.lastname: Peppard
authors.forename: Nathan A
authors.initials: NA
authors.lastname: Ledeboer
authors.forename: Melissa L
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Theesfeld
authors.forename: John A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Weigelt
authors.forename: Bryan J
authors.initials: BJ
authors.lastname: Buechel
mesh_terms: D000081:Acetamides / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D024901:Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial; D017850:Economics, Pharmaceutical; D016908:Gram-Positive Bacterial Infections / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D000069349:Linezolid; D023303:Oxazolidinones / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D000081:Acetamides; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D023303:Oxazolidinones; D000069349:Linezolid