Complications

Complication
Timeframe
Likelihood
short term
high

Contact isolation should be adhered to strictly in hospital and long-term care settings to prevent spread of MRSA.

short term
high

Multiple drug-drug interactions based on cytochrome P-450 interactions.

Consultation with an infectious disease specialist is advisable.

short term
medium

A subset of sepsis in which there is co-existence of: persistent hypotension requiring vasopressors to maintain mean arterial pressure ≥65 mmHg; and serum lactate >2 mmol/L (>18 mg/dL).[23]

Septic shock indicates profound circulatory, cellular, and metabolic deterioration, and is associated with a greater risk of mortality than with sepsis alone.[23]

Patients generally require intensive haemodynamic support.

short term
low

Uncommon when used as monotherapy but increased risk when given with other nephrotoxic drugs, especially aminoglycosides.

short term
low

This rare complication is a result of histamine-induced flushing. Animal studies have suggested that the syndrome is the result of mast cell activation and subsequent release of histamine. Higher infusion rates may result in an increase in occurrence. Premedication with an H1 blocker such as diphenhydramine has been shown to decrease the incidence of red man syndrome in one small study.[59]

short term
low

Linezolid is contraindicated within 2 weeks of administration of a monoamine oxidase inhibitor. Increased risk of serotonin syndrome when given with selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitor.

long term
medium

May be associated with complicated infection and its sequelae.

variable
medium

Most likely seen with a prolonged course of therapy >2 weeks.

variable
low

Rare complication.

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