Drug interactions
Doxepin + Linezolid
Severity: Major
Doxepin 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
Doxepin, a tricyclic antidepressant, inhibits serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake and has labeled contraindications with MAO inhibitors. Combining with linezolid risks serotonin syndrome and hypertensive reactions.
What this interaction means in plain words
Doxepin 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.
Doxepin belongs to Dermatology; Linezolid belongs to Anti Bacterial.
Why it happens
Additive serotonergic and noradrenergic activity with MAO inhibition by linezolid.
What to do
Avoid oral doxepin with linezolid where possible, and monitor for agitation, tremor, hyperthermia and hypertension if unavoidable. Topical use has lower systemic exposure but should be limited.
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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References
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 Doxepin
- Doxepin + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Doxepin + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Doxepin + Procarbazine Contraindicated
- Doxepin + Safinamide Contraindicated
- Doxepin + Selegiline Contraindicated
- Doxepin + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Doxepin with Linezolid?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Doxepin 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. Doxepin, a tricyclic antidepressant, inhibits serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake and has labeled contraindications with MAO inhibitors. Combining with linezolid risks serotonin syndrome and hypertensive reactions.
How serious is the interaction between Doxepin 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 oral doxepin with linezolid where possible, and monitor for agitation, tremor, hyperthermia and hypertension if unavoidable. Topical use has lower systemic exposure but should be limited.
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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