Oxazolidinones Flashcards
What is the most commonly used oxazolidinone?
Linezolid.
What is the mechanism of action of the oxazolidinones?
Selectively inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis.
Against which organisms are the oxazolidinones effective?
Gram-positive bacteria including MRSA and vancomycin-resistant enterococci.
What are the oxazolidinones indicated to treat?
Pneumonia, complicated skin and soft-tissue infections.
What are the side effects of the oxazolidinones?
Diarrhoea, eosinophilia, headache, nausea, vomiting, taste disturbance, severe optic neuropathy.
Give some contraindications for the use of the oxazolidinones.
Acute confusional states, bipolar depression, the elderly, history of seizures, uncontrolled hypertension.
Why are the oxazolidinones contraindicated in the elderly?
Increased risk of blood disorders.
What monitoring is required when a patient is on an oxazolidinone?
Full blood count (including platelets) weekly.
Linezolid is a reversible, non-selective monoamine oxidase inhibitor; therefore, patients should be advised to avoid what?
Large amounts of tyramine-rich foods, other MAOis, certain medication.
