Long-term adverse effect of linezolid?

Long-term adverse effect of linezolid?

• A. Thrombocytopenia
• B. Peripheral neuropathy
• C. Peripheral optic neuropathy
• D. Nausea

Answer: (C)

Long-term linezolid therapy can cause toxic effects on the optic nerve due to mitochondrial dysfunction, leading to peripheral optic neuropathy. This is the adverse effect most associated with prolonged use and can threaten vision if the drug is continued. The neuropathy can develop after weeks of treatment, and symptoms may include reduced visual acuity or color vision changes, prompting discontinuation of the drug to prevent irreversible damage. Other prolonged-use toxicities like thrombocytopenia and peripheral neuropathy can occur, but optic neuropathy is the hallmark long-term complication and the one most critical to recognize and act on promptly.

Long-term linezolid therapy can cause toxic effects on the optic nerve due to mitochondrial dysfunction, leading to peripheral optic neuropathy. This is the adverse effect most associated with prolonged use and can threaten vision if the drug is continued. The neuropathy can develop after weeks of treatment, and symptoms may include reduced visual acuity or color vision changes, prompting discontinuation of the drug to prevent irreversible damage. Other prolonged-use toxicities like thrombocytopenia and peripheral neuropathy can occur, but optic neuropathy is the hallmark long-term complication and the one most critical to recognize and act on promptly.