Indications: Treatment of vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium (VRE) infections. Nosocomial pneumonia caused by Staphylococcus aureus (including MRSA) or Streptococcus pneumoniae (including multidrug-resistant strains [MDRSP]). complicated and uncomplicated skin and skin structure infections (including diabetic foot infections without concomitant osteomyelitis). community-acquired pneumonia caused by susceptible gram-positive organisms. Linezolid is an option if a glycopeptide, such as vancomycin, cannot be used to treat pneumonia or severe skin and soft-tissue infections caused by MRSA. not active against Gram- negative organisms (must be given with other antibacterial if the infection also involves Gram-negative organisms. (the combination should be used for mixed skin and soft tissue infections only when other treatments are not available).

Cautions: Monitor, full blood count (including platelet count) weekly.history of seizures.unless close observation and blood-pressure monitoring possible avoid in uncontrolled hypertension, phaeochromocytoma, carcinoid tumour, thyrotoxicosis, bipolar depression, schizophrenia, or acute confusional states.

Contra-indications: in patients taking any medicinal product which inhibits monoamine oxidases A or B (e.g. phenelzine, isocarboxazid) or within two weeks of taking any such medicinal product.

Hepatic impairment: in severe hepatic impairment manufacturer advises use only if potential benefit outweighs risk

Renal impairment: manufacturer advises metabolites may accumulate if eGFR less than 30 ml/minute/1.73 m2

Pregnancy: manufacturer advises use only if potential benefit outweighs risk—no information available.

Breast-feeding: manufacturer advises avoid—present in milk in animal studies.

Side Effects: Most common: diarrhoea (antibiotic- associated colitis reported) nausea, vomiting, taste disturbances, headache. less commonly: thirst, dry mouth, glossitis, stomatitis, tongue discoloration, abdominal pain, dyspepsia, gastritis, constipation, pancreatitis, hypertension, fever, fatigue, dizziness, insomnia, hypoaesthesia, paraesthesia, tinnitus, polyuria, leucopenia, thrombocytopenia, eosinophilia, electrolyte disturbances, blurred vision, rash, pruritus, diaphoresis, injection-site reactions. rarely: tachycardia, transient ischaemic attacks, renal failure, also reported tooth discoloration, convulsions, lactic acidosis, hyponatraemia, pancytopenia, anaemia, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, peripheral and optic neuropathy reported on prolonged therapy.

Dose: Adult: 600 mg every 12 hours usually for 10–14 days (max. duration of treatment 28 days). CHILD: [unlicensed] 1 week–12 years: 10 mg/kg every 8 hours 12–18 years: adult dose.