Drug interactions
Linezolid + Olanzapine
Severity: Moderate
Linezolid and Olanzapine: 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 is a reversible non-selective MAO inhibitor and olanzapine has some serotonergic receptor activity, so the combination may rarely contribute to serotonin toxicity. Dopamine blockade by the antipsychotic in a serotonergic setting may also raise concern for neuroleptic malignant syndrome. The risk is low but the outcomes are serious.
What this interaction means in plain words
Linezolid and Olanzapine 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; Olanzapine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive serotonergic activity from MAO inhibition by linezolid plus serotonin receptor effects of olanzapine, with overlapping dopaminergic effects.
What to do
If both are needed, monitor for mental status change, clonus, hyperthermia, rigidity and autonomic instability during the linezolid course. Stop one or both agents and give supportive care if toxicity is suspected.
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 Olanzapine
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Linezolid with Olanzapine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Linezolid and Olanzapine 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 is a reversible non-selective MAO inhibitor and olanzapine has some serotonergic receptor activity, so the combination may rarely contribute to serotonin toxicity. Dopamine blockade by the antipsychotic in a serotonergic setting may also raise concern for neuroleptic malignant syndrome. The risk is low but the outcomes are serious.
How serious is the interaction between Linezolid and Olanzapine?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: If both are needed, monitor for mental status change, clonus, hyperthermia, rigidity and autonomic instability during the linezolid course. Stop one or both agents and give supportive care if toxicity is suspected.
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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