RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 The use of intravenous linezolid† JF European Journal of Hospital Pharmacy: Science and Practice JO Eur J Hosp Pharm FD British Medical Journal Publishing Group SP 181 OP 182 DO 10.1136/ejhpharm-2012-000074.255 VO 19 IS 2 A1 Sánchez-Mulero, M.C. A1 Arribas-Diaz, B. A1 Molina-Guillen, M.P. A1 Sanchez-Quiles, I. A1 Nájera-Perez, M.D. A1 Boso-Ribelles, A. A1 Titos-Arcos, J.C. A1 Moregó-Soler, A. A1 Sanchez-Catalicio, M.M. A1 Pastor-Cano, J. YR 2012 UL http://ejhp.bmj.com/content/19/2/181.3.abstract AB Background Linezolid is an antibiotic approved for treatment of nosocomial pneumonia (NP), community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) and complicated skin and soft tissue infections caused by Gram-positive bacteria susceptible to linezolid. Purpose To determine the use of intravenous linezolid in a 400-bed general hospital, where its use is only sanctioned for: ▶ NP due to methicillin-sensitive and methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MSSA and MRSA) or methicillin-sensitive S. pneumoniae.▶ CAP due to methicillin-sensitive S. pneumoniae or MSSA.▶ Skin and soft tissue infections with MSSA or MRSA, S. pyogenes or S. agalactiae. Materials and methods One-year retrospective study (2010). Data were obtained from: clinical records, Savac and Selene programs and laboratory tests. The case report form used had the following items: diagnoses, bacterial culture, indication, dose, duration, concomitant antibacterial treatment, previous treatment with glycopeptides and adverse effects, creatinine level and possibility of oral administration. Results Sixty-seven episodes corresponding to 52 patients whose mean age was 60.7 years. Episodes were reviewed from: intensive medicine (68.3%), surgery (15%), internal medicine (6.6%), other (10.1%). Only 17.3% of patients used the drug according to indications for which it is restricted according to the hospital protocol. Non-indicated uses included: pneumonia not matching the above conditions (20.3%) and postoperative abdominal abscess (20.3%). In 100% of cases bacterial culture was performed, and its use was justified in 19% of cases. The recommended dose was used in 95% of cases. Mean duration of therapy was 9.7 days. Significant concomitant antibiotics were: piperacillin-tazobactam (29.2%), meropenem (25.2%), cefepime (8%), and amikacin (8%). 41.6% had been treated previously with glycopeptides. Mean creatinine was 0.8 mg/dL. Conclusions There is low compliance with the authorised indications. Those treated the longest (11.5%) had blood toxicity. Almost half could have been treated orally at the same dose (100% bioavailability).