Frontiers in Pharmacology (May 2025)
Case Report: Linezolid-associated toxic optic neuropathy in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis: case series and mini review
Abstract
Linezolid is a useful second-line medication for the treatment of tuberculosis that is resistant to multiple drugs. However, long-term therapy can cause side effects, such as optic neuropathy. We describe three cases of progressive painless bilateral visual loss in patients taking long-term linezolid therapy for multidrug-resistant and extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis. We reviewed the literatures and identified 58 cases of linezolid optic neuropathy. Discontinuation of linezolid resulted in a marked improvement in vision, however it was not complete in all patients. Knowledge of visual monitoring of patients undergoing long-term linezolid therapy is important for physicians and ophthalmologists.
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