Oxazolidinones

Question 1

What is the most commonly used oxazolidinone?

Answer 1

Linezolid.

Question 2

What is the mechanism of action of the oxazolidinones?

Answer 2

Selectively inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis.

Question 3

Against which organisms are the oxazolidinones effective?

Answer 3

Gram-positive bacteria including MRSA and vancomycin-resistant enterococci.

Question 4

What are the oxazolidinones indicated to treat?

Answer 4

Pneumonia, complicated skin and soft-tissue infections.

Question 5

What are the side effects of the oxazolidinones?

Answer 5

Diarrhoea, eosinophilia, headache, nausea, vomiting, taste disturbance, severe optic neuropathy.

Question 6

Give some contraindications for the use of the oxazolidinones.

Answer 6

Acute confusional states, bipolar depression, the elderly, history of seizures, uncontrolled hypertension.

Question 7

Why are the oxazolidinones contraindicated in the elderly?

Answer 7

Increased risk of blood disorders.

Question 8

What monitoring is required when a patient is on an oxazolidinone?

Answer 8

Full blood count (including platelets) weekly.

Question 9

Linezolid is a reversible, non-selective monoamine oxidase inhibitor; therefore, patients should be advised to avoid what?

Answer 9

Large amounts of tyramine-rich foods, other MAOis, certain medication.