Drug interactions
Linezolid + Pimozide
Severity: Moderate
Linezolid and Pimozide: 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 may rarely cause serotonin toxicity or neuroleptic malignant syndrome when combined with a potent dopamine antagonist such as pimozide. The overlap is mostly theoretical but the consequences are serious. Pimozide also has its own QT-related risks.
What this interaction means in plain words
Linezolid and Pimozide 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; Pimozide belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive serotonergic and dopaminergic effects from MAO inhibition combined with D2 receptor blockade.
What to do
Monitor for hyperthermia, rigidity, clonus and mental status change, and check ECG and electrolytes as usual for pimozide. Stop both drugs and treat supportively if toxicity occurs.
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 Pimozide
- Adagrasib + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Amiodarone + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Amisulpride + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Amitriptyline + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Amoxapine + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Anagrelide + Pimozide Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Linezolid with Pimozide?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Linezolid and Pimozide 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 may rarely cause serotonin toxicity or neuroleptic malignant syndrome when combined with a potent dopamine antagonist such as pimozide. The overlap is mostly theoretical but the consequences are serious. Pimozide also has its own QT-related risks.
How serious is the interaction between Linezolid and Pimozide?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor for hyperthermia, rigidity, clonus and mental status change, and check ECG and electrolytes as usual for pimozide. Stop both drugs and treat supportively if toxicity occurs.
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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