To the Editor: Linezolid is the first of a new class of oxazolidinone antibacterials which was first registered in Australia in September 2001. It represents an important advance in the treatment of infections caused by some enterococci resistant to vancomycin and staphylococci resistant to methicillin.1 In clinical trials, the most commonly reported drug-related adverse events which led to discontinuation of linezolid therapy were headache, diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting.2 We describe a patient who developed peripheral and optic neuropathy while being treated with linezolid.
The full article is accessible to AMA
members and paid subscribers.
Login to MJA or subscribe now.
Correspondence: coralloc@boxhill.org.au
- 1. Hussar DA. New drugs of 2000. J Am Pharm Assoc (Wash) 2001; 41: 229-272.
- 2. Zyvox (linezolid) product information. Rydalmere, New South Wales: Pharmacia Australia Pty Limited, 24 August 2001.
- 3. Zyvox (linezolid) product information. Rydalmere, New South Wales: Pharmacia Australia Pty Limited, 21 February 2002.
Online responses are no longer available. Please refer to our instructions for authors page for more information.