Linezolid/Rifampin
This information is generalized and not intended as specific medical advice. Consult your healthcare professional before taking or discontinuing any drug or commencing any course of treatment.
Medical warning:
Moderate. These medicines may cause some risk when taken together. Contact your healthcare professional (e.g. doctor or pharmacist) for more information.
How the interaction occurs:
Rifampin may change how quickly your body processes linezolid.
What might happen:
The amount of linezolid in your blood may decrease and it may not work as well against your infection.
What you should do about this interaction:
Make sure your healthcare professionals (e.g. doctor or pharmacist) know that you are taking these medicines together or if you have recently taken rifampin. Your doctor may want to check the amount of linezolid in your blood. Let your doctor know if your condition worsens.Your healthcare professionals may already be aware of this interaction and may be monitoring you for it. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first.
References:
1.Zyvox (linezolid) US prescribing information. Pfizer February, 2012.
2.Egle H, Trittler R, Kummerer K, Lemmen SW. Linezolid and rifampin: Drug interaction contrary to expectations?. Clin Pharmacol Ther 2005 May; 77(5):451-3.
3.Gebhart BC, Barker BC, Markewitz BA. Decreased serum linezolid levels in a critically ill patient receiving concomitant linezolid and rifampin. Pharmacotherapy 2007 Mar;27(3):476-9.
