Drug interactions
Difenoxin + Linezolid
Severity: Major
Difenoxin 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
Difenoxin is the active metabolite of diphenoxylate, and its labeling warns that MAO inhibitors may precipitate hypertensive crisis. Linezolid is a weak MAO inhibitor, so a similar reaction or excess CNS depression is possible.
What this interaction means in plain words
Difenoxin 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.
Difenoxin belongs to Gastrointestinal Tract; Linezolid belongs to Anti Bacterial.
Why it happens
MAO inhibition by linezolid may potentiate the opioid-like effects of difenoxin; the mechanism is not well characterized.
What to do
Avoid the combination and use a different antidiarrheal. If it cannot be avoided, monitor blood pressure and sedation closely.
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?
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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 Difenoxin
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Difenoxin with Linezolid?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Difenoxin 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. Difenoxin is the active metabolite of diphenoxylate, and its labeling warns that MAO inhibitors may precipitate hypertensive crisis. Linezolid is a weak MAO inhibitor, so a similar reaction or excess CNS depression is possible.
How serious is the interaction between Difenoxin 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 and use a different antidiarrheal. If it cannot be avoided, monitor blood pressure and sedation closely.
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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