Rizatriptan and Linezolid Injection: Interaction Details
AI-assisted, pharmacist-reviewed · Source data updated Aug 8, 2026 · Sources: FDA labeling, DDInter 2.0, cited literature
Rizatriptan
No brand names on recordLinezolid Injection
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.
What happens
An increased risk of serotonin syndrome and an increased rizatriptan and its metabolite exposure
Interaction Deep Dive
Concomitant use of rizatriptan with a MAO-A inhibitor or a non-selective MAO inhibitor, or use of rizatriptan within 2 weeks of discontinuing a MAO-A inhibitor or a non-selective MAO inhibitor, is contraindicated due to a risk of increased rizatriptan exposure, additive serotonergic effects and increased risk of serotonin syndrome. The onset of symptoms can occur within minutes to hours of receiving a new or a greater dose of a serotonergic medication. Discontinue use of rizatriptan if serotonin syndrome is suspected34. Concurrent use of an MAOI and a serotonin 5-HT1 receptor agonist (such as rizatriptan) is contraindicated unless patient is closely observed for signs and/or symptoms of serotonin syndrome. If concomitant use is clinically warranted, monitor for signs and symptoms of serotonin syndrome, such as neuromuscular abnormalities (including hyperreflexia, tremor, muscle rigidity, clonus, peripheral hypertonicity, and shivering), autonomic hyperactivity (including tachycardia, mydriasis, diaphoresis, the presence of bowel sounds, and diarrhea), and mental status changes (including agitation and delirium). Serotonin syndrome can be life-threatening 25.
Why it happens (mechanism)
Additive serotonergic effects
Literature reports
2 reports — tap to read
a) Administration of moclobemide 150 mg three times daily for four days and a single dose of rizatriptan 10 mg on day 4 significantly increased the area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) of rizatriptan by 119% in twelve healthy volunteers during a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, two-period, crossover study. Maximum concentration (Cmax) of rizatriptan also increased by 41% (22.6 ng/mL vs. 31.3 ng/mL), and the AUC of the active N-monodesmethyl metabolite was increased by more than 400% (2.8 ng/mL vs. 7.2 ng/mL). Moclobemide is a selective, reversible inhibitor of monoamine oxidase-A, and the interaction with rizatriptan is expected to be even greater with irreversible MAO inhibitors. No pharmacokinetic interaction is expected between rizatriptan and a selective monoamine oxidase-B inhibitor 43.
b) Spontaneous reports of serotonin syndrome associated with the coadministration of linezolid and serotonergic agents have been reported 1.
Common questions
Can I take Rizatriptan and Linezolid Injection together?
An increased risk of serotonin syndrome and an increased rizatriptan and its metabolite exposure Always confirm with your pharmacist or prescriber before making any change.
How serious is the Rizatriptan 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 "probable". Good supporting evidence, though not definitively proven.
Questions for your pharmacist
- Does my dose of Rizatriptan 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 (5)
- Product Information: ZYVOX(R) IV injection, oral tablets, oral suspension, linezolid IV injection, oral tablets, oral suspension. Pharmacia and Upjohn Company, New York, NY, 2008.
- Boyer EW & Shannon M: The serotonin syndrome. N Eng J Med 2005; 352(11):1112-1120. PubMed
- Product Information: RizaFilm® oral film, rizatriptan oral film. Gensco Pharma (per FDA), Doral, FL, 2026. DailyMed
- Product Information: MAXALT(R) oral tablets, rizatriptan benzoate oral tablets. Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp (per FDA), Whitehouse Station, NJ, 2019. DailyMed
- Product Information: MAXALT-MLT(R) orally disintegrating tablets, rizatriptan benzoate orally disintegrating tablets. Merck & Co Inc, Whitehouse Station, NJ, 2008.
Keep reading about Rizatriptan
Keep reading about Linezolid Injection
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