Safety of linezolid, rifampicin, and clindamycin combination therapy in patients with prosthetic joint infection

Abstract

We investigated adverse events in patients with prosthetic joint infections receiving combination therapy with linezolid, rifampicin, and clindamycin for ≥ 7 days. Twenty-two patients were evaluated. The combination therapy was administered for 15.5 (7–29) days at dosages of 1200, 450, and 450–1200 mg/day for linezolid, rifampicin, and clindamycin, respectively. Adverse events (gastrointestinal, eye, and skin disorders; liver damage; myelosuppression; hyponatremia, and others) were recorded. The incidence rates of leukopenia, neutropenia, anemia, thrombocytopenia, and hyponatremia were 36.4%, 31.8%, 40.9%, 18.2%, and 18.2%, respectively. Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 5.0 Grade 3 neutropenia, anemia, and hyponatremia were observed. The incidence rate of myelosuppression was higher following combination therapy compared with that previously reported following single-drug administration. All patients were discharged after the infection was under control. It is important to monitor these adverse events during combination therapy with the aforementioned agents; these conditions may be relieved by discontinuing linezolid.