Linezolid

Linezolid

Drug monograph · NCLEX study reference
Trade names	Zyvox
Therapeutic class	Antibacterial
Pharmacologic class	Oxazolidinone
Onset / peak / duration	Rapid; oral bioavailability is excellent.
Half-life / level	Half-life about 5 hours; no routine level.
Routes	PO (oral), IV
High-alert (ISMP)	No
Black box warning	None
Antidote / reversal	Supportive care.
Pregnancy / lactation	Use if clearly needed.

Nursing pharmacology study reference (NCLEX-style monograph). Numeric values are standard teaching ranges for study and must be verified against current manufacturer labeling before clinical use. This is educational content, not prescribing guidance.

Linezolid (brand name Zyvox) — Antibacterial; Oxazolidinone.

Identification

• Therapeutic class: Antibacterial.
• Pharmacologic class: Oxazolidinone.

Pharmacology

• Mechanism of action: Inhibits bacterial protein synthesis; covers resistant gram-positives including MRSA and VRE.
• Onset / peak / duration: Rapid; oral bioavailability is excellent.
• Half-life / therapeutic level: Half-life about 5 hours; no routine level.

Clinical use

• Indications: Resistant gram-positive infections (MRSA, VRE), pneumonia, skin infections.
• Usual dose, route, frequency: 600 mg PO or IV every 12 hours.
• Maximum dose / adjustments: Limit duration to reduce myelosuppression and neuropathy.

Safety

• Contraindications: Use with MAO inhibitors; caution with serotonergic drugs.
• Black box warning: None.
• Interactions: Serotonergic drugs (serotonin syndrome; it is a weak MAO inhibitor), tyramine-rich foods (hypertension), adrenergic agents.
• Pregnancy / lactation: Use if clearly needed.
• High-alert: No.

Adverse effects

• Common side effects: Diarrhea, nausea, headache.
• Serious effects to report: Myelosuppression (with prolonged use), peripheral and optic neuropathy, serotonin syndrome, lactic acidosis.
• Antidote / reversal: Supportive care.

Nursing process

• Assessment before administration: CBC, serotonergic drugs, diet teaching, infection source.
• Interventions during therapy: Monitor blood counts with longer courses; limit tyramine foods.
• Monitor: CBC, neuro and vision status, infection resolution.
• Evaluation / expected outcome: Resolution of resistant infection.

Patient teaching

• Patient teaching: Limit aged or fermented foods; report vision changes or numbness.
• Notify provider if: Vision changes, numbness or tingling, agitation with fever, easy bruising.
• Administration tips: With or without food; avoid high-tyramine foods.