title: Linezolid-associated toxic optic neuropathy.
abstract: The oxazolidinone antimicrobial linezolid is effective against gram-positive bacteria. Although maximal recommended therapy is 28 days, treatment durations greater than this are common. Linezolid may cause reversible optic neuropathy and irreversible peripheral neuropathy after months of treatment. Three cases of linezolid-induced optic and peripheral neuropathy are described, and previously reported cases of linezolid-induced optic neuropathy are reviewed. The mechanism of neural toxicity may be impairment of mitochondrial protein synthesis.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA. janet_rucker@rush.edu
authors.forename: J C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Rucker
authors.forename: S R
authors.initials: SR
authors.lastname: Hamilton
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Bardenstein
authors.forename: C M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Isada
authors.forename: M S
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Lee
mesh_terms: D000081:Acetamides / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000328:Adult; D000890:Anti-Infective Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003118:Color Perception; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D000069349:Linezolid; D016106:Methicillin Resistance; D009901:Optic Nerve Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced*; D023303:Oxazolidinones / Q000009:adverse effects*; D013203:Staphylococcal Infections / Q000188:drug therapy*
chemical_list: D000081:Acetamides; D000890:Anti-Infective Agents; D023303:Oxazolidinones; D000069349:Linezolid