Drug interactions
Linezolid + Methadone
Severity: Major
Linezolid and Methadone: 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
Linezolid is a reversible nonselective MAO inhibitor, and combining it with the serotonergic opioid methadone may cause serotonin syndrome. Hypotension and increased sedation may also occur.
What this interaction means in plain words
Linezolid and Methadone 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.
Linezolid belongs to Anti Bacterial; Methadone belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
MAO inhibition by linezolid with serotonergic activity of methadone raises the risk of serotonin toxicity.
What to do
Avoid if alternative antibiotics exist. If linezolid is essential, monitor closely for agitation, hyperthermia, clonus and autonomic instability, and stop one agent if they occur.
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 Methadone
- Alvimopan + Methadone Contraindicated
- Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates + Methadone Contraindicated
- Droperidol + Methadone Contraindicated
- Ibutilide + Methadone Contraindicated
- Isocarboxazid + Methadone Contraindicated
- Lefamulin + Methadone Contraindicated
Other interactions of Linezolid
- Amoxapine + Linezolid Contraindicated
- Atomoxetine + Linezolid Contraindicated
- Benzphetamine + Linezolid Contraindicated
- Brimonidine + Linezolid Contraindicated
- Bupropion-naltrexone + Linezolid Contraindicated
- Bupropion + Linezolid Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Linezolid with Methadone?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Linezolid and Methadone 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. Linezolid is a reversible nonselective MAO inhibitor, and combining it with the serotonergic opioid methadone may cause serotonin syndrome. Hypotension and increased sedation may also occur.
How serious is the interaction between Linezolid and Methadone?
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 if alternative antibiotics exist. If linezolid is essential, monitor closely for agitation, hyperthermia, clonus and autonomic instability, and stop one agent if they occur.
What other medicines interact with Methadone?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Methadone with, for example, Alvimopan, Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates, Droperidol. The full list is on the Methadone page.
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