Linezolid as a Treatment for Multidrug-resistant Tuberculosis: A Literature Review

Abstract

Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) emerges when Mycobacterium tuberculosis develops resistance to both rifampicin and isoniazid, representing a significant threat that undermines global efforts to combat tuberculosis. The unfavorable prognosis of MDR-TB can be attributed to prolonged treatment duration, the utilization of multiple medications, and the adverse effects associated with drug therapy. This drug moved from Group C (third line) in 2016 and Group 5 (unclear efficacy) in 2011. This is a synthetic oxazolidinone antimicrobial drug and a non-selective mono oxidase inhibitor. Antimicrobials that are both vulnerable to and resistant to gram-positive bacteria can be effectively combatted by linezolid. This study investigates and appraises the utilization of linezolid as a therapeutic intervention in individuals afflicted with MDR-TB, while also scrutinizing the pharmacological attributes of the drug. We also discuss Linezolid’s safety, efficacy, and tolerability for treating MDR-TB. Linezolid medication should be utilized for most patients and is a part of more recent short-course regimens since it has been known to increase the success rate of treatment of DR-TB by increasing the conversion sputum rate. However, primarily hematologic and neurologic, linezolid toxicity is typically treatment-limiting yet should be monitored. Recent studies suggest that dose modification and intermittency can reduce linezolid toxicity. Also, using linezolid in the regimen potentially reduces the treatment duration, but it needs further research. Keywords: efficacy, linezolid, safety, MDR-TB, tolerability