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Drug interactions

Linezolid + Oxymorphone

Severity: Major

Linezolid and Oxymorphone: 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 non-selective MAO inhibitor, and opioids given with it have been linked to serious reactions including hypotension, CNS depression and possible serotonin syndrome. Oxymorphone is not strongly serotonergic, but labeling cautions against use with MAOIs.

What this interaction means in plain words

Linezolid and Oxymorphone 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; Oxymorphone belongs to Musculoskeletal.

Evidence level: Moderate

Why it happens

Reversible MAO inhibition may potentiate opioid CNS and autonomic effects and, less commonly, cause serotonergic toxicity.

What to do

Avoid the combination where possible and use an alternative antibiotic or analgesic. If linezolid is essential, monitor closely for sedation, hypotension and serotonin toxicity and use low opioid doses.

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?

Bring a full list of your medicines, including over-the-counter products, supplements and herbal remedies, to every pharmacy visit.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I take Linezolid with Oxymorphone?

MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Linezolid and Oxymorphone 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 non-selective MAO inhibitor, and opioids given with it have been linked to serious reactions including hypotension, CNS depression and possible serotonin syndrome. Oxymorphone is not strongly serotonergic, but labeling cautions against use with MAOIs.

How serious is the interaction between Linezolid and Oxymorphone?

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 the combination where possible and use an alternative antibiotic or analgesic. If linezolid is essential, monitor closely for sedation, hypotension and serotonin toxicity and use low opioid doses.

What other medicines interact with Oxymorphone?

MediHelp also lists interactions of Oxymorphone with, for example, Alvimopan, Ethanol, Isocarboxazid. The full list is on the Oxymorphone page.

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