Drug interactions
Linezolid + Milnacipran
Severity: Major
Linezolid and Milnacipran: 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
Milnacipran, a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, may cause serotonin syndrome and hypertension with linezolid. Severity can be high.
What this interaction means in plain words
Linezolid and Milnacipran 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; Milnacipran belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
MAO inhibition combined with serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibition.
What to do
Avoid and choose another antibiotic if feasible. If linezolid is required, stop milnacipran and monitor for serotonin toxicity and blood pressure rise.
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 Milnacipran
- Isocarboxazid + Milnacipran Contraindicated
- Methylene blue + Milnacipran Contraindicated
- Milnacipran + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Milnacipran + Procarbazine Contraindicated
- Milnacipran + Rasagiline Contraindicated
- Milnacipran + Safinamide Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Linezolid with Milnacipran?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Linezolid and Milnacipran 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. Milnacipran, a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, may cause serotonin syndrome and hypertension with linezolid. Severity can be high.
How serious is the interaction between Linezolid and Milnacipran?
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 and choose another antibiotic if feasible. If linezolid is required, stop milnacipran and monitor for serotonin toxicity and blood pressure rise.
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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