Linezolid-associated serotonin syndrome: what we can learn from cases reported so far.
OBJECTIVE
To study the characteristics of the linezolid-associated serotonin syndrome cases.


METHODS
Database search for linezolid-associated serotonin syndrome.


RESULTS
Twelve cases were found. The mean age of patients was 52.8 years. All patients received linezolid concomitantly with selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitor drugs (SSRID). The onset of syndrome was 9.5 days after linezolid introduction and was directly correlated to patients' age (P = 0.024). The symptoms resolved in 2.9 days. Citalopram was associated with a delayed resolution (P = 0.018). A trend was observed towards longer resolution time the longer the half-life of the interacting drug (P = 0.096).


CONCLUSIONS
Patients are at risk when receiving SSRID concomitant with linezolid. The syndrome onset could be delayed in older patients. The resolution could be delayed when citalopram is involved in the syndrome.
Morales-Molina
José Antonio
JA
Pharmacy Department, Hospital del Mar, Passeig Marítim, 25-29, 08003 Barcelona, Spain.
Mateu-de Antonio
Javier
J
Marín-Casino
Mónica
M
Grau
Santiago
S
D000081:Acetamides / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001424:Bacterial Infections / Q000188:drug therapy; D002675:Child, Preschool; D015283:Citalopram / Q000009:adverse effects; D005260:Female; D006207:Half-Life; D006801:Humans; D000069349:Linezolid; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D023303:Oxazolidinones / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D020230:Serotonin Syndrome / Q000209:etiology*; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / Q000008:administration & dosage
D000081:Acetamides; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D015283:Citalopram; D000069349:Linezolid; D023303:Oxazolidinones; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors