Linezolid (LNZ), a group 5 antituberculous drug (unclear efficacy), was used in the starter regimens of 23 adults with multidrug-resistant tuberculosis. The LNZ-containing regimens were effective in achieving culture conversions and relapse-free outcomes. The most frequent LNZ-related side effect was neuropathy. We propose that LNZ should be reclassified among bactericidal second-line drugs.
Keywords: ethionamide; linezolid; multidrug-resistant tuberculosis; neuropathy.