Drug interactions
Ketamine + Linezolid
Severity: Moderate
Ketamine 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
Ketamine has sympathomimetic effects, and with an MAO inhibitor such as linezolid there is a theoretical risk of exaggerated hypertension and tachycardia. Clinical data are scarce.
What this interaction means in plain words
Ketamine 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.
Ketamine belongs to Central Nervous System; Linezolid belongs to Anti Bacterial.
Why it happens
Enhanced sympathomimetic pressor response from ketamine catecholamine release with MAO inhibition by linezolid.
What to do
Tell the anesthesia team about linezolid use and monitor blood pressure and heart rate closely during ketamine administration. Be ready to treat hypertensive responses.
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 Ketamine
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Ketamine with Linezolid?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Ketamine 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. Ketamine has sympathomimetic effects, and with an MAO inhibitor such as linezolid there is a theoretical risk of exaggerated hypertension and tachycardia. Clinical data are scarce.
How serious is the interaction between Ketamine 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: Tell the anesthesia team about linezolid use and monitor blood pressure and heart rate closely during ketamine administration. Be ready to treat hypertensive responses.
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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