Ziprasidone and Linezolid Injection: Interaction Details
AI-assisted, pharmacist-reviewed · Source data updated Aug 8, 2026 · Sources: FDA labeling, DDInter 2.0, cited literature
Ziprasidone
Linezolid 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
Increased risk for serotonin syndrome (hypertension, hyperthermia, myoclonus, mental status changes)
Interaction Deep Dive
Concomitant use of ziprasidone is contraindicated in patients taking, or within 14 days of stopping linezolid (serotonergic agent and MAOI) as it may increase risk of serotonin syndrome. Signs and symptoms may include mental status changes (eg., agitation, hallucinations, delirium, and coma), autonomic instability (eg., tachycardia, labile blood pressure, dizziness, diaphoresis, flushing), neuromuscular symptoms (eg., tremor, rigidity, myoclonus, incoordination), seizures, and gastrointestinal symptoms (eg., nausea, vomiting, diarrhea). In addition, do not initiate ziprasidone in a patient being treated with linezolid. If it is necessary to initiate treatment with linezolid in a patient taking ziprasidone, discontinue ziprasidone before initiating treatment with the linezolid. At least 14 days must elapse between discontinuation of linezolid (intended to treat psychiatric disorders) and initiation of ziprasidone therapy. In addition, at least 3 days should be allowed after stopping ziprasidone before starting linezolid intended to treat psychiatric disorders. Monitor patients taking ziprasidone for the emergence of serotonin syndrome. Discontinue ziprasidone treatment and any concomitant linezolid immediately if the above symptoms occur, and initiate supportive symptomatic treatment. If concomitant use is clinically warranted, inform patients of the increased risk of serotonin syndrome and monitor for symptoms12.
Why it happens (mechanism)
Additive serotonergic effects
Common questions
Can I take Ziprasidone and Linezolid Injection together?
Increased risk for serotonin syndrome (hypertension, hyperthermia, myoclonus, mental status changes) Always confirm with your pharmacist or prescriber before making any change.
How serious is the Ziprasidone 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.
Questions for your pharmacist
- Does my dose of Ziprasidone 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 (2)
- Product Information: GEODON(R) intramuscular injection, ziprasidone mesylate intramuscular injection. Viatris Specialty LLC(per FDA), Morgantown, WV, 2025.
- Product Information: GEODON(R) oral capsules, ziprasidone oral capsules. Viatris Specialty LLC(per FDA), Morgantown, WV, 2025. DailyMed
Keep reading about Ziprasidone
Keep reading about Linezolid Injection
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.
Check another combination
Our instant two-drug interaction checker is almost here.
Still have questions about this combination?
Every question gets a real answer from a licensed pharmacist — free, and usually within a day.
Ask the pharmacist