Drug interactions
Bupropion + Linezolid
Severity: Contraindicated
Bupropion and Linezolid: contraindicated 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 non-selective MAO inhibitor. Bupropion is contraindicated with MAO inhibitors because of the risk of hypertensive reactions, and linezolid may also raise the risk of serotonin toxicity or neurotoxicity. The combination can cause severe adverse reactions.
What this interaction means in plain words
Bupropion and Linezolid are not normally used together. Taking them at the same time is expected to cause harm or make one of them unsafe, so a different medicine is usually chosen for one of the two.
Bupropion belongs to Central Nervous System; Linezolid belongs to Anti Bacterial.
Why it happens
MAO inhibition by linezolid enhances noradrenergic and dopaminergic stimulation from bupropion, with possible serotonergic toxicity.
What to do
Avoid; choose an alternative antibiotic. If linezolid is urgent, stop bupropion and monitor closely for hypertension and serotonin toxicity.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there an alternative to one of these two medicines for me?
- If both are essential, who is monitoring me and how often?
- Which symptoms mean I should stop and seek help straight away?
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Other interactions of Bupropion
- Bupropion + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Bupropion + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Bupropion + Rasagiline Contraindicated
- Bupropion + Selegiline Contraindicated
- Bupropion + Selegiline transdermal Contraindicated
- Bupropion + Thioridazine Contraindicated
Other interactions of Linezolid
- Amoxapine + Linezolid Contraindicated
- Atomoxetine + Linezolid Contraindicated
- Benzphetamine + Linezolid Contraindicated
- Brimonidine + Linezolid Contraindicated
- Bupropion-naltrexone + Linezolid Contraindicated
- Buspirone + Linezolid Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Bupropion with Linezolid?
MediHelp rates the interaction as contraindicated. Bupropion and Linezolid are not normally used together. Taking them at the same time is expected to cause harm or make one of them unsafe, so a different medicine is usually chosen for one of the two. Linezolid is a reversible non-selective MAO inhibitor. Bupropion is contraindicated with MAO inhibitors because of the risk of hypertensive reactions, and linezolid may also raise the risk of serotonin toxicity or neurotoxicity. The combination can cause severe adverse reactions.
How serious is the interaction between Bupropion and Linezolid?
MediHelp rates it contraindicated, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid; choose an alternative antibiotic. If linezolid is urgent, stop bupropion and monitor closely for hypertension and serotonin toxicity.
What other medicines interact with Bupropion?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Bupropion with, for example, Isocarboxazid, Phenelzine, Rasagiline. The full list is on the Bupropion page.
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