Drug interactions
Amitriptyline + Linezolid
Severity: Major
Amitriptyline and Linezolid: major interaction.
Last updated
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Linezolid is a reversible nonselective MAO inhibitor and combining it with amitriptyline can precipitate serotonin syndrome. Features include agitation, hyperthermia, tremor, clonus and autonomic instability.
What this interaction means in plain words
Amitriptyline and Linezolid can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Amitriptyline belongs to Central Nervous System; Linezolid belongs to Anti Bacterial.
Why it happens
MAO inhibition by linezolid plus serotonin reuptake inhibition by amitriptyline produces additive serotonergic activity.
What to do
Avoid the combination where an alternative antibiotic exists. If linezolid is essential, stop the tricyclic and monitor for serotonin toxicity for up to two weeks or until 24 hours after the last linezolid dose.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
Pro+ members
Unlock the full page
Create an account and start a Pro+ trial to unlock the full management advice for Amitriptyline and Linezolid, the additional notes, the evidence detail and the whole-prescription interaction checker.
- Full clinical management advice
- Additional notes
- Evidence detail
- Interaction checker for a whole prescription
Try Pro+ free for 7 days on the web. No card needed.
Other interactions of Linezolid
- Amoxapine + Linezolid Contraindicated
- Atomoxetine + Linezolid Contraindicated
- Benzphetamine + Linezolid Contraindicated
- Brimonidine + Linezolid Contraindicated
- Bupropion-naltrexone + Linezolid Contraindicated
- Bupropion + Linezolid Contraindicated
Other interactions of Amitriptyline
- Amitriptyline + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Amitriptyline + Methylene blue Contraindicated
- Amitriptyline + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Amitriptyline + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Amitriptyline + Procarbazine Contraindicated
- Amitriptyline + Safinamide Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Amitriptyline with Linezolid?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Amitriptyline and Linezolid can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Linezolid is a reversible nonselective MAO inhibitor and combining it with amitriptyline can precipitate serotonin syndrome. Features include agitation, hyperthermia, tremor, clonus and autonomic instability.
How serious is the interaction between Amitriptyline and Linezolid?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid the combination where an alternative antibiotic exists. If linezolid is essential, stop the tricyclic and monitor for serotonin toxicity for up to two weeks or until 24 hours after the last linezolid dose.
What other medicines interact with Linezolid?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Linezolid with, for example, Amoxapine, Atomoxetine, Benzphetamine. The full list is on the Linezolid page.
Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app
Open the complete reference, check multi-drug interactions and use dosing tools in the MediHelp app.
