Drug interactions
Linezolid + Metformin
Severity: Moderate
Linezolid and Metformin: 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 can cause lactic acidosis through mitochondrial toxicity, and metformin carries its own lactic acidosis risk, so the effects may be additive. Linezolid has also been linked with hypoglycemia in diabetic patients on antidiabetic drugs, though metformin alone rarely causes it.
What this interaction means in plain words
Linezolid and Metformin 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 belongs to Anti Bacterial; Metformin belongs to Endocrine.
Why it happens
Additive lactic acidosis risk from linezolid mitochondrial toxicity and metformin inhibition of hepatic gluconeogenesis.
What to do
Monitor for nausea, vomiting, malaise and tachypnea, and check lactate and renal function if symptoms occur, especially with prolonged linezolid or renal impairment. Stop one or both drugs if lactic acidosis 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 Metformin
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Linezolid with Metformin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Linezolid and Metformin 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 can cause lactic acidosis through mitochondrial toxicity, and metformin carries its own lactic acidosis risk, so the effects may be additive. Linezolid has also been linked with hypoglycemia in diabetic patients on antidiabetic drugs, though metformin alone rarely causes it.
How serious is the interaction between Linezolid and Metformin?
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 nausea, vomiting, malaise and tachypnea, and check lactate and renal function if symptoms occur, especially with prolonged linezolid or renal impairment. Stop one or both drugs if lactic acidosis 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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