A Retrospective Study to Compare the Incidence of Hyponatremia after Administration between Linezolid and Tedizolid

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Pharmacology
• Nephrology

Background:

• Oxazolidinone antibiotics, including Linezolid (LZD) and Tedizolid (TZD), are crucial for treating methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).
• Severe hyponatremia, a potential adverse effect of LZD, can lead to serious complications like seizures and death.
• Monitoring serum sodium levels is essential during oxazolidinone therapy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the incidence of hyponatremia between LZD and TZD therapies.
• To identify risk factors associated with hyponatremia development during oxazolidinone treatment.
• To evaluate the safety profile of TZD versus LZD concerning serum sodium levels.

Main Methods:

• A comparative study involving 67 patients treated with LZD and 28 patients treated with TZD.
• Serum sodium levels were monitored from drug administration up to 14 days post-administration.
• Hyponatremia was defined as a serum sodium level ≤134 mmol/L.

Main Results:

• The frequency of hyponatremia was significantly higher in the LZD group (39.7%) compared to the TZD group (11.1%) (p < 0.05).
• Intravenous administration was more common in the LZD group (52.9%) than in the TZD group (14.8%) (p < 0.01).
• Low pre-treatment albumin levels were identified as an independent risk factor for developing hyponatremia.

Conclusions:

• Tedizolid (TZD) demonstrates a significantly lower risk of causing hyponatremia compared to Linezolid (LZD).
• Caution is advised when administering LZD, particularly intravenously, to patients with pre-existing low albumin levels due to increased hyponatremia risk.
• TZD appears to be a safer alternative to LZD for patients at risk of hyponatremia.