Which antibiotic belongs to the oxazolidinone class and is commonly used for MRSA infections?

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Multiple Choice

Which antibiotic belongs to the oxazolidinone class and is commonly used for MRSA infections?

Oxazolidinones work by binding to the 50S ribosomal subunit and preventing the formation of the initiation complex, effectively blocking the start of protein synthesis in bacteria. Linezolid is the hallmark drug in this class and is well known for activity against MRSA (and also against VRE), making it a common option for MRSA infections such as skin and soft tissue infections or pneumonia, especially when beta-lactams aren’t suitable or resistance is present. It also has excellent oral bioavailability with IV-to-oral switch, which helps in treating systemic MRSA infections while enabling outpatient management if feasible. The other drugs are not oxazolidinones: Penicillin G is a beta-lactam that MRSA often resists due to altered penicillin-binding proteins; Cefepime is a beta-lactam cephalosporin with limited MRSA activity; Nitrofurantoin is mainly used for uncomplicated urinary tract infections and isn’t reliable for systemic MRSA infections. So the oxazolidinone best matching MRSA coverage is linezolid.

Oxazolidinones work by binding to the 50S ribosomal subunit and preventing the formation of the initiation complex, effectively blocking the start of protein synthesis in bacteria. Linezolid is the hallmark drug in this class and is well known for activity against MRSA (and also against VRE), making it a common option for MRSA infections such as skin and soft tissue infections or pneumonia, especially when beta-lactams aren’t suitable or resistance is present. It also has excellent oral bioavailability with IV-to-oral switch, which helps in treating systemic MRSA infections while enabling outpatient management if feasible. The other drugs are not oxazolidinones: Penicillin G is a beta-lactam that MRSA often resists due to altered penicillin-binding proteins; Cefepime is a beta-lactam cephalosporin with limited MRSA activity; Nitrofurantoin is mainly used for uncomplicated urinary tract infections and isn’t reliable for systemic MRSA infections. So the oxazolidinone best matching MRSA coverage is linezolid.

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