Drug interactions
Clozapine + Linezolid
Severity: Moderate
Clozapine and Linezolid: moderate 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 inhibits MAO and clozapine has serotonergic activity, so serotonin syndrome is possible. Both drugs can also cause myelosuppression, so blood counts may be affected, and additive neuroleptic malignant features are theoretically possible.
What this interaction means in plain words
Clozapine and Linezolid can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Clozapine belongs to Central Nervous System; Linezolid belongs to Anti Bacterial.
Why it happens
Additive serotonergic effects from linezolid MAO inhibition and clozapine receptor activity; additive hematologic toxicity.
What to do
Monitor for serotonin toxicity and NMS signs, and check the complete blood count, especially if linezolid exceeds about two weeks. Stop the agents if toxicity develops.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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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 Clozapine
- Clozapine + Deferiprone Contraindicated
- Clozapine + Irinotecan Contraindicated
- Clozapine + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Clozapine + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Acalabrutinib + Clozapine Major
- Adagrasib + Clozapine Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Clozapine with Linezolid?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Clozapine and Linezolid can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Linezolid inhibits MAO and clozapine has serotonergic activity, so serotonin syndrome is possible. Both drugs can also cause myelosuppression, so blood counts may be affected, and additive neuroleptic malignant features are theoretically possible.
How serious is the interaction between Clozapine and Linezolid?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor for serotonin toxicity and NMS signs, and check the complete blood count, especially if linezolid exceeds about two weeks. Stop the agents if toxicity develops.
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.
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