Drug Interaction Report

Ginkgo and Linezolid Injection: Interaction Details

A pharmacist-reviewed analysis of the Ginkgo 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®
+

Ginkgo

No brand names on record
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
Moderate
Can be significant — usually manageable with monitoring.
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 70 documented Ginkgo interactions, 54 are rated moderate — including this one.
Onset
unspecified
Evidence
theoretical
Severity
Moderate

What happens

An increased risk of side effects from monoamine oxidase inhibition

Interaction Deep Dive

Theoretically, Ginkgo may potentiate the effect of monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)1. Ginkgo may inhibit monoamine oxidase 23, and has demonstrated serotoninergic activity in animals 4 which might increase the risk of serotonin syndrome when Ginkgo is combined with MAOIs. The potential MAO inhibitory activity of Ginkgo is questionable. A human study did not show MAO inhibition in the brain following oral consumption 5. Ginkgo biloba extract inhibited MAO-A/MAO-B in the rat brain in vitro 23 and MAO-B in human platelets in vitro 3. No significant MAO inhibition was found in mice following oral consumption 6.

Why it happens (mechanism)

Additive monoamine oxidase inhibition

Common questions

Can I take Ginkgo and Linezolid Injection together?

An increased risk of side effects from monoamine oxidase inhibition Always confirm with your pharmacist or prescriber before making any change.

How serious is the Ginkgo and Linezolid Injection interaction?

It is rated moderate. Can be significant — usually manageable with monitoring.

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 Ginkgo 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 anything you'd monitor while I'm on both?

References (6)

  1. McGuffin M, Hobbs C, Upton R, et alMcGuffin M, Hobbs C, Upton R, et al (Eds): American Herbal Products Association's Botanical Safety Handbook, CRC Press, Boca Raton, FL, 1997.
  2. Sloley BD, Urichik LJ, Morley P, et al: Identification of kaempferol as a monoamine oxidase inhibitor and potential neuroprotectant in extracts of ginkgo biloba leaves. J Pharm Pharmacol 2000; 52:451-459.
  3. White HL, Scates PW, & Cooper BR: Extracts of Ginkgo biloba leaves inhibit monoamine oxidase. Life Sci 1996; 58(16):1315-1321. PubMed
  4. Ramassamy C, Christen Y, Clostre F, et al: The Ginkgo biloba extract, EGb761, increases synaptosomal uptake of 5-hydroxytryptamine: in-vitro and ex-vivo studies. J Pharm Pharmacol 1992; 44:943-945.
  5. Fowler JS, Wang GJ, Volkow ND, et al: Evidence that ginkgo biloba extract does not inhibit MAO A and B in living human brain. Life Sci 2000; 66(9):141-146. DOI
  6. Porsolt RD, Roux S, & Drieu K: Evaluation of a ginkgo biloba extract (EGb 761) in functional tests for monoamine oxidase inhibition. Arzneim-Forsch/Drug Res 2000; 50:232-235. DOI
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Linezolid Injection

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