Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 7, 2026

An Automated Culture System for Use in Preclinical Testing of Host-Directed Therapies for Tuberculosis
Published on: August 16, 2021
Black brown discoloration and hairy tongue - A rare linezolid side effect
A K Jain1, Man Mohan Puri2, R Sarin3
1Senior Consultant National Institute of Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases, New Delhi, India.
Introduction:
Linezolid was approved for clinical use for methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus and vancomycin-resistant Enterococci. Additionally it is used in the management of drug resistant tuberculosis. It is well-tolerated however bone marrow suppression and neuropathies may occur in patients taking this antibiotic for more than 2 weeks. Black discoloration and black hairy tongue (BHT) due to linezolid is rarely reported. We report two cases of BHT.
Case Reports:
Two patients of drug resistant pulmonary tuberculosis developed benign hairy tongue with linezolid 600mg per day. In both the cases black colored/hairy tongue was reported within 2-3 weeks of linezolid treatment. Both patients improved after withdrawal of linezolid. Subsequent reintroduction of linezolid with good oral hygiene was well tolerated and both patients completed the treatment of 2 years duration without any recurrence.
Conclusion:
Black discoloration and BHT is a rare but transient adverse reaction with linezolid. Reintroduction of linezolid with good oral hygiene is well tolerated.
Related Concept Videos
Changes in Skin Color: Clinical Perspectives
Albinism
Albinism is a genetic disorder that affects (completely or partially) the coloring of skin, hair, and eyes. The defect is primarily...
Local Anesthetics: Adverse Effects
Once absorbed into the systemic circulation, local anesthetics can affect the organs that depend on the functioning of sodium...
Drug toxicity: Idiosyncratic Reactions
Fungal Group Zygomycota
Pulmonary Tuberculosis V
Latent tuberculosis infection occurs when TB bacteria are present in a person's body, but are not causing illness or symptoms. It is not contagious, and preventive treatment is crucial to avoid the...
Effect of Hepatic Disease on Pharmacokinetics: Dose Adjustments Due to Hepatic Impairment

