Drug interactions
Linezolid + Methamphetamine
Severity: Contraindicated
Linezolid and Methamphetamine: contraindicated 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 inhibits MAO, which prevents breakdown of catecholamines released by methamphetamine. The result can be severe hypertension, hyperthermia and serotonin-like toxicity.
What this interaction means in plain words
Linezolid and Methamphetamine are not normally used together. Taking them at the same time is expected to cause harm or make one of them unsafe, so a different medicine is usually chosen for one of the two.
Linezolid belongs to Anti Bacterial; Methamphetamine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
MAO inhibition by linezolid potentiates the catecholamine-releasing effect of methamphetamine.
What to do
Avoid the combination and use an alternative antibiotic; if exposure occurs, monitor blood pressure, temperature and neurological status closely.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there an alternative to one of these two medicines for me?
- If both are essential, who is monitoring me and how often?
- Which symptoms mean I should stop and seek help straight away?
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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 Methamphetamine
- Isocarboxazid + Methamphetamine Contraindicated
- Methamphetamine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Methamphetamine + Procarbazine Contraindicated
- Methamphetamine + Rasagiline Contraindicated
- Methamphetamine + Safinamide Contraindicated
- Methamphetamine + Selegiline Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Linezolid with Methamphetamine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as contraindicated. Linezolid and Methamphetamine are not normally used together. Taking them at the same time is expected to cause harm or make one of them unsafe, so a different medicine is usually chosen for one of the two. Linezolid inhibits MAO, which prevents breakdown of catecholamines released by methamphetamine. The result can be severe hypertension, hyperthermia and serotonin-like toxicity.
How serious is the interaction between Linezolid and Methamphetamine?
MediHelp rates it contraindicated, 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 an alternative antibiotic; if exposure occurs, monitor blood pressure, temperature and neurological status 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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