title: Linezolid-associated peripheral and optic neuropathy, lactic acidosis, and serotonin syndrome.
abstract: Linezolid is an oxazolidinone antibacterial agent indicated for serious gram-positive infections. Only minor adverse effects were seen in phase III trials. However, more serious adverse effects were reported after commercial release, including cases of lactic acidosis, peripheral and optic neuropathy, and serotonin syndrome. Peripheral and optic neuropathy was usually seen after several months of linezolid therapy (median 5 mo), lactic acidosis after several weeks (median 6 wks), and serotonin syndrome after several days (median 4 days). Death occurred in two of seven reported cases of lactic acidosis, and three of 15 reported cases of serotonin syndrome. Improvement or complete recovery occurred in all cases of optic neuropathy, whereas complete recovery failed to occur in any patient with peripheral neuropathy. Linezolid should be discontinued immediately in patients experiencing these adverse effects. Patients receiving linezolid for more than 28 days should be monitored for signs of peripheral and optic neuropathy.
authors.affiliation: Infectious Disease Section, University of Pittsburgh, Veterans Affairs Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15240, USA.
authors.forename: Masashi
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Narita
authors.forename: Brian T
authors.initials: BT
authors.lastname: Tsuji
authors.forename: Victor L
authors.initials: VL
authors.lastname: Yu
mesh_terms: D000081:Acetamides / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000140:Acidosis, Lactic / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000503:physiopathology; D000890:Anti-Infective Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004347:Drug Interactions; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D000069349:Linezolid; D008297:Male; D009901:Optic Nerve Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000503:physiopathology; D023303:Oxazolidinones / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D010523:Peripheral Nervous System Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000503:physiopathology; D012307:Risk Factors; D020230:Serotonin Syndrome / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000503:physiopathology; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects
chemical_list: D000081:Acetamides; D000890:Anti-Infective Agents; D000069349:Linezolid; D023303:Oxazolidinones; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors