Subramaniam Srinivasan and Allimuthu Nithyanandam*
Antimicrobial agents are the most frequently used pharmacological agents by a practising clinician. Many of the commonly used antibiotics are well tolerated. They do have side effects either idiosyncratic or dose dependent. Special caution is needed on monitoring their neurotoxic effects as if not recognized promptly, these may be confused with other neurological states therefore ending up in complications. The practising clinician in most countries, initiates’ treatment based upon clinical findings and does not have the luxury of getting confirmatory laboratory results in a timely manner. Factors influence neurotoxicity include old age, decreased renal function, nutritional status, use of other drugs that lower seizure threshold and damage to the blood brain barrier. The role of genetic factors though has been suggested, their effects have not been fully determined. In most instances, the neurological side effects can be reversed by discontinuation of the offending drug. This article highlights the neurological side effects of commonly used antimicrobial agents, thereby enabling clinicians to be aware of these side effects to diagnose and initiate proper treatment apart from stopping the drug in a timely manner.
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