Clinical decision-support only. For use by licensed dental professionals. Not a substitute for professional judgment or a complete drug reference. Always verify with primary sources.
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Medication

Linezolid

Antibiotic (oxazolidinone)

Brand names: Zyvox

Oral health effects

  • Tongue discoloration / serotonin interaction

    Reversible tongue discoloration and oral candidiasis; also a weak MAO inhibitor (serotonergic-interaction caution).

    Clinical management: Reassure on tongue color; review serotonergic drug interactions.

  • Taste alteration (dysgeusia)

    Taste alteration was reported in about 1-2% of adults in comparator-controlled trials (1.8% at 400 mg and 1.0% at 600 mg every 12 hours).

    Clinical management: Reassure the patient that it resolves after therapy. Suggest sugar-free gum or lozenges and water, and avoid sugary sweets used to mask the taste.

Sources

  1. A review and guide to drug-associated oral adverse effects-Dental, salivary and neurosensory reactions. Part 1. Teoh L, Moses G, McCullough MJ. Journal of oral pathology & medicine : official publication of the International Association of Oral Pathologists and the American Academy of Oral Pathology, 2019.
  2. Adverse drug events in the oral cavity. Yuan A, Woo SB. Oral surgery, oral medicine, oral pathology and oral radiology, 2015.
  3. Linezolid prescribing information (FDA label) A-S Medication Solutions / DailyMed, 2026.