Which medication is first-line treatment for MRSA infections?

Vancomycin is recognized as a first-line treatment for Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections due to its efficacy in targeting gram-positive bacteria, particularly those resistant to methicillin. It works by inhibiting cell wall synthesis, an essential component for bacterial growth and replication. Vancomycin has a broad spectrum of activity against MRSA and is often the preferred choice for severe MRSA infections, including those acquired in the hospital (hospital-associated MRSA) and community settings (community-associated MRSA).

The use of Vancomycin is supported by clinical guidelines and has been extensively studied, making it a standard of care in the management of serious MRSA infections, particularly when oral antibiotics are not effective or feasible. While other medications, such as daptomycin and clindamycin, are also effective against MRSA in certain situations, they are usually considered after Vancomycin or in cases where Vancomycin is not suitable due to resistance or patient-specific factors. Cefazolin, on the other hand, is not effective against MRSA, as it is a penicillinase-resistant cephalosporin that does not provide activity against methicillin-resistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus.