Sketchy Pharm: Linezolid

Question 1

What is the mechanism of linezolid?

Answer 1

It inhibits the bacterial ribosome’s 50S subunit, specifically the 23S portion.

(Think of the assistant detective’s secretary who’s writing up the crime scene outside the police line.)

(Also, think of having 23 LINEs of chromosomes.)

Question 2

What types of bacteria is linezolid effective against?

Answer 2

Gram-positive cocci

Think of the purple jewels in the museum case.

Question 3

What are some specific indications for linezolid use?

Answer 3

Nosocomial MRSA and VRE

Think of the golden Pharaoh sarcophagus with the nurse by it and the burglar refusing to get in the police VAN.

Question 4

The most common side effects of linezolid use are ____________________.

Answer 4

thrombocytopenia (the broken plates in the exhibit), optic and peripheral neuropathy (the severed cable to the eye-shaped CC camera and the detective wearing gloves and stockings –like glove-and-stocking neuropathy), and serotonin syndrome, because linezolid is a weak antagonist of MAO-A (think of the smiley face graffitied onto the ground)