Linezolid-Induced Pancreatitis Associated with Lactic Acidosis and Relative Hypoglycemia: A Rare Case Report

BACKGROUND: Linezolid is known to cause side effects, including nausea, diarrhea, and headaches of short duration. As extended use of linezolid is becoming more common, additional rare side effects should be considered. CASE PRESENTATION: A 68-year-old man hospitalized for osteomyelitis developed severe abdominal pain and altered mental status following five weeks of linezolid therapy. Laboratory studies showed very high lipase levels, lactic acidosis not responding to resuscitation, and relative hypoglycemia. All common causes of pancreatitis were ruled out, and a trial of linezolid withdrawal was done resulting in drastic improvement in the patient’s clinical status. CONCLUSIONS: For patients on extended course of linezolid who develop abdominal pain, drug-induced pancreatitis should be considered as a side effect, and a trial of withdrawal of linezolid should be undertaken. LEARNING POINTS: Linezolid can be associated with a rare but serious triad of adverse effects of pancreatitis, hypoglycemia, and lactic acidosis. Possible risk factors include a prolonged course of linezolid, renal dysfunction, and sepsis.