PTCB Certified Pharmacy Technician (PTCE)MedicationsHard
A pharmacy technician is reviewing a medication order for 'linezolid 600 mg IV every 12 hours' for a patient who is also taking 'sertraline 50 mg daily'. The technician identifies a potential drug interaction. Which of the following adverse effects is most concerning in this scenario?
- AHypoglycemia
- BNephrotoxicity
- CSerotonin Syndrome
- DRhabdomyolysis
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Serotonin Syndrome
Linezolid, an oxazolidinone antibiotic, is also a weak monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI). Sertraline is a Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI). The concomitant use of an MAOI (linezolid) with an SSRI (sertraline) can lead to a dangerous accumulation of serotonin in the brain, resulting in Serotonin Syndrome. This condition is characterized by mental status changes, autonomic instability, and neuromuscular hyperactivity.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Hypoglycemia is a risk with certain antidiabetic medications, not typically with linezolid or sertraline.
- B. While some drugs can be nephrotoxic, it is not the primary or most concerning interaction between linezolid and sertraline.
- D. Rhabdomyolysis is typically associated with statins, not linezolid or sertraline.
Linezolid-SSRI Interaction (Serotonin Syndrome)
A potentially life-threatening drug interaction between linezolid (a weak MAOI) and SSRIs (like sertraline) that leads to excessive serotonin levels in the central nervous system.
- Symptoms: agitation, confusion, rapid heart rate, high blood pressure, muscle rigidity, sweating, diarrhea.
- Requires immediate medical attention.
- Concomitant use is generally contraindicated or requires very close monitoring.
Memory trick: Interactions make trouble, always check the drug bubble.