Which safety monitoring is essential when regimens include bedaquiline and linezolid?

• A. Monitor QT interval and marrow function
• B. Monitor blood pressure only
• C. No monitoring needed
• D. Monitor hearing exclusively

Answer: (A)

The main safety checks for a regimen that includes bedaquiline and linezolid are monitoring the heart rhythm (QT interval) and bone marrow function. Bedaquiline can lengthen the QT interval, which raises the risk of serious arrhythmias, so baseline and periodic ECGs are essential, with attention to electrolytes and other QT-prolonging factors. Linezolid can cause myelosuppression—decreases in red cells, platelets, and white cells—especially with longer courses, so regular complete blood counts are needed to detect anemia or thrombocytopenia early. Because each drug carries a distinct risk, you need both types of monitoring to keep the patient safe.