Linezolid-induced black hairy tongue

Abstract

Black hairy tongue (BHT) is a self-limiting disorder characterized by abnormal hypertrophy and elongation of filiform papillae on the surface of the tongue. The exact mechanism of drug-induced BHT is unknown. Several factors have been implicated and included smoking or chewing tobacco, drinking alcohol, poor oral hygiene and antibiotics such as tetracyclines and penicillins. We report a quite uncommon case of Linezolid-induced BHT in a patient with a long-lasting history of chest wall infection.

Figure 1.

Black discoloration of the tongue with elongated filiform papillae occurred during linezolid therapy

Figure 2.

Two weeks after linezolid discontinuation, patient’s tongue return to normal