Linezolid Toxicity — SCE Infectious Diseases MCQ

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ModerateAntimicrobial StewardshipLinezolid ToxicitySCE Infectious Diseases

A 40-year-old man on Linezolid for 6 weeks develops bilateral foot neuropathy and thrombocytopenia. What is the cause?

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Correct answer: C — Linezolid-induced peripheral neuropathy and myelosuppression — dose/duration-dependent mitochondrial toxicity requiring cessation

Linezolid causes dose-dependent myelosuppression (>10–14 days) and neuropathy (>28 days) via mitochondrial toxicity. Weekly FBC and neuropathy screening are mandatory.

Reference: BNF 2024 – Linezolid; BSAC 2023