Drug Interaction Report

Dexmethylphenidate and Linezolid Injection: Interaction Details

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

Dexmethylphenidate

Focalin Focalin® Focalin® XR
+

Linezolid Injection

Zyvox Zyvox®
Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS
Medically reviewed by
Updated Aug 8, 2026
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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 6 documented Dexmethylphenidate 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
rapid
Evidence
theoretical
Severity
Contraindicated

What happens

Increased risk of hypertensive crisis (palpitations, headache, flushing, and sweating)

Interaction Deep Dive

Concomitant use of dexmethylphenidate with MAOIs or within 14 days after discontinuing MAOI treatment is contraindicated. Coadministration can cause hypertensive crisis. Potential outcomes include death, stroke, myocardial infarction, aortic dissection, ophthalmological complications, eclampsia, pulmonary edema, and renal failure123.

Why it happens (mechanism)

Unknown

Common questions

Can I take Dexmethylphenidate and Linezolid Injection together?

Increased risk of hypertensive crisis (palpitations, headache, flushing, and sweating) Always confirm with your pharmacist or prescriber before making any change.

How serious is the Dexmethylphenidate 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 "rapid". Effects can appear quickly, often within about 24 hours of combining the drugs.

How strong is the evidence for this interaction?

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

Questions for your pharmacist

  • Does my dose of Dexmethylphenidate 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: FOCALIN XR(R) oral extended-release capsules, dexmethylphenidate HCl oral extended-release capsules. Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation (per FDA), East Hanover, NJ, 2023. DailyMed
  2. Product Information: FOCALIN(R) oral tablets, dexmethylphenidate hydrochloride oral tablets. Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation (per FDA), East Hanover, NJ, 2023. DailyMed
  3. Product Information: AZSTARYS(TM) oral capsules, serdexmethylphenidate dexmethylphenidate oral capsules. Corium LLC (per FDA), Boston, MA, 2023. DailyMed
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Beyond drug–drug

These medications also interact with supplements

Prescription drugs aren't the whole picture — herbal and dietary supplements can interact with them too. From the evidence-graded Natural Medicines database:

major · moderate · minor — check everything you take with our drug–supplement interaction checker.

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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.