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Co-prescribing of linezolid and serotonergic agents in a general hospital setting

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  30 June 2014

C. Clarke ,
M. Finnegan ,
A. M. O’Dwyer ,
C. Mc Donald ,
B. O’Connell  and
J. Cooney
C. Clarke*
Affiliation:
Central Mental Hospital, Dundrum, Dublin, Ireland
M. Finnegan
Affiliation:
St. Patrick’s Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
A. M. O’Dwyer
Affiliation:
Department of Psychological Medicine, St. James’ Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
C. Mc Donald
Affiliation:
Department of Pharmacy, St. James’ Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
B. O’Connell
Affiliation:
Department of Clinical Microbiology, St. James’ Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
J. Cooney
Affiliation:
Department of Psychological Medicine, St. James’ Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
*
*Address for correspondence: Dr C. Clarke, Central Mental Hospital, Dundrum, Dublin 14, Ireland. (Email: caoimhenichleirigh@hotmail.com)
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Abstract

Background

Co-prescription of linezolid and serotonergic agents (SSRIs, SNRIs, NaSSA, TCAs) can lead to serotonin syndrome, this study seeks to identify prescribing practise of these agents.

Methods

Study of all general hospital inpatients prescribed intravenous linezolid in a 3-month period, using drug charts and clinical notes.

Results

Co-prescription occurred in 20% with SSRIs most frequently concurrently used. There were no cases of serotonin syndrome. There was no evidence in clinical notes of vigilance for potential interaction.

Conclusion

Co-prescription is common; awareness of potentially serious interaction is not evident in current practice.

Keywords

Drug interactionlinezolidserotonin syndromeSSRI
Type
Short Report
Information
Irish Journal of Psychological Medicine , Volume 31 , Issue 3 , September 2014 , pp. 191 - 193
Copyright
© College of Psychiatrists of Ireland 2014 

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