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Drug interactions

Carbidopa-entacapone-levodopa + Linezolid

Severity: Major

Carbidopa-entacapone-levodopa and Linezolid: major interaction.

Last updated Sources: US FDA label

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 levodopa raises catecholamine levels. Together they can cause hypertensive reactions, and serotonergic toxicity is also possible. Nonselective MAO inhibition is generally listed as a contraindication with levodopa products.

What this interaction means in plain words

Carbidopa-entacapone-levodopa 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.

Carbidopa-entacapone-levodopa belongs to Central Nervous System; Linezolid belongs to Anti Bacterial.

Evidence level: Moderate

Why it happens

Linezolid inhibits MAO-A and MAO-B, which impairs breakdown of dopamine and norepinephrine formed from levodopa and produces pressor and serotonergic effects.

What to do

Avoid the combination where possible and choose another antibiotic. If linezolid is essential, monitor blood pressure and mental status closely and stop the dopaminergic drug if hypertension or toxicity develops.

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?

Bring a full list of your medicines, including over-the-counter products, supplements and herbal remedies, to every pharmacy visit.

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References

Frequently asked questions

Can I take Carbidopa-entacapone-levodopa with Linezolid?

MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Carbidopa-entacapone-levodopa 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 levodopa raises catecholamine levels. Together they can cause hypertensive reactions, and serotonergic toxicity is also possible. Nonselective MAO inhibition is generally listed as a contraindication with levodopa products.

How serious is the interaction between Carbidopa-entacapone-levodopa 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 possible and choose another antibiotic. If linezolid is essential, monitor blood pressure and mental status closely and stop the dopaminergic drug if hypertension or toxicity develops.

What other medicines interact with Carbidopa-entacapone-levodopa?

MediHelp also lists interactions of Carbidopa-entacapone-levodopa with, for example, Isocarboxazid, Phenelzine, Selegiline transdermal. The full list is on the Carbidopa-entacapone-levodopa page.

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