Drug Interaction Report

Codeine and Linezolid Injection: Interaction Details

A pharmacist-reviewed analysis of the Codeine and Linezolid Injection interaction: the documented clinical effects, severity rating, onset, mechanism, and management considerations, with cited references throughout.

AI-assisted, pharmacist-reviewed · Source data updated Aug 8, 2026 · Sources: FDA labeling, DDInter 2.0, cited literature

Linezolid Injection

Zyvox Zyvox®
+

Codeine

Tuzistra XR® (as a combination product containing Chlorpheniramine, Codeine)
Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS
Medically reviewed by
Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS
Updated Aug 8, 2026
Editorial policy · Data sources
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Interaction severity
Contraindicated
These should generally not be used together.
How we grade severity & evidence

Severity levels

  • Contraindicated: These should generally not be used together.
  • Major: Potentially serious — often needs a change or close monitoring.
  • Moderate: Can be significant — usually manageable with monitoring.
  • Minor: Usually limited clinical impact.

Evidence grades

  • Established: Well documented — supported by controlled studies or strong clinical data.
  • Probable: Good supporting evidence, though not definitively proven.
  • Suspected: Some evidence suggests this interaction, but it is not well established.
  • Possible: Limited or conflicting evidence; the interaction may occur.
  • Theoretical: Predicted from the drugs' pharmacology; not yet confirmed in people.

Ratings come from the documented interaction literature and are reviewed by a pharmacist. They describe the documented risk of the combination, not what will necessarily happen to you — your dose, timing, and health picture all matter.

Of 55 documented Codeine interactions, 1 is rated contraindicated — including this one.
Worried about symptoms right now? Contact your pharmacist or prescriber, or call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 (US). Call 911 for an emergency.
Onset
unspecified
Evidence
theoretical
Severity
Contraindicated

What happens

Increased risk of serotonin syndrome

Interaction Deep Dive

The concomitant use of codeine with an MAOI is contraindicated due to the potential for serotonin syndrome. Discontinue use of an MAOI 14 days before initiation of codeine. If urgent opioid use is necessary, choose an alternative opioid (eg, oxyCODONE, HYDROcodone, oxyMORphone, buprenorphine) and start with test doses of an immediate-release form and carefully titrate dosage while monitoring blood pressure and signs and symptoms of CNS and respiratory depression123.

Why it happens (mechanism)

Additive serotonergic effects

Common questions

Can I take Codeine and Linezolid Injection together?

Increased risk of serotonin syndrome Always confirm with your pharmacist or prescriber before making any change.

How serious is the Codeine and Linezolid Injection interaction?

It is rated contraindicated. These should generally not be used together.

How quickly could this interaction happen?

The documented onset is "unspecified". The timing of this interaction is not well characterized.

How strong is the evidence for this interaction?

The evidence is graded "theoretical". Predicted from the drugs' pharmacology; not yet confirmed in people.

From our Q&A

Real reader questions about these medications, each personally answered by our pharmacist:

Questions for your pharmacist

  • Does my dose of Codeine or Linezolid Injection need adjusting while I take them together?
  • What symptoms should prompt me to call you or my prescriber right away?
  • Does the timing of my doses matter for this combination?
  • Is there a safer alternative to one of these medications for me?

References (3)

  1. Product Information: Codeine sulfate oral tablets, codeine sulfate oral tablets. West-Ward Pharmaceuticals Corp (per DailyMed), Eatontown, NJ, 2016. DailyMed
  2. Product Information: CARISOPRODOL, ASPIRIN, CODEINE PHOSPHATE oral tablets, carisoprodol, aspirin, codeine phosphate oral tablets. Ingenus Pharmaceuticals LLC (per DailyMed), Orlando, FL, 2021. DailyMed
  3. Product Information: Codeine sulfate oral solution, codeine sulfate oral solution. Hikma Pharmaceuticals USA Inc(per FDA), Berkeley Heights, NJ, 2023. DailyMed
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Linezolid Injection

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Codeine

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All Codeine interactions (55) Codeine drug information
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This information is for education, not a substitute for professional medical advice. Do not start, stop, or change any medication without talking to your pharmacist or prescriber.