Testing blood monitoring to prevent side effects from TB medication

Plain-English translation of NCT06590428 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated May 2026 · Translation generated June 2026 · How we translate trials

This study doesn't follow the usual testing phases — it may be an observational study or a different type of research.

What is this trial?

This trial is testing whether monitoring blood levels of linezolid—a medication used to treat drug-resistant tuberculosis—can help prevent serious side effects. Half of the participants will have their blood tested regularly, and their medication dose will be adjusted if levels get too high. The other half will receive standard care, where the dose is only changed if side effects develop.

Linezolid is an important TB medication, but when used for long periods, it often causes serious side effects like low blood cell counts and nerve damage in about half to two-thirds of patients. These side effects sometimes force doctors to stop the treatment, which can allow the TB to become resistant to even more drugs. This study aims to prevent those side effects by catching high medication levels early.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you are 18 years of age or older
you have been diagnosed with drug-resistant tuberculosis (confirmed by testing)
you have started a TB treatment regimen containing linezolid within the past 14 days
your HIV status has been confirmed (whether positive or negative)
you are able and willing to visit the hospital for follow-up care

You likely don't qualify if…

you are pregnant at the time of screening
you have a severe medical condition where death is expected within 7 days
you are taking a linezolid dose below 600 mg daily
you have severe TB in your brain, heart, or bones
you live too far from the hospital and cannot reliably attend visits

What participation looks like

If you join this study, you will be randomly assigned to one of two groups. One group will have regular blood tests to check medication levels, with doses adjusted before side effects occur. The other group will receive standard care, where medication adjustments happen only if side effects develop. You will need to attend visits at Nkqubela TB Specialist Hospital in South Africa for your regular TB treatment and study blood work.

AI-generated summary from trial data · Jun 9, 2026 · Not medical advice

Trial locations(1 site)

South Africa

Nkqubela TB Specialist Hospital, East London, Eastern Cape