Dietary tyramine restriction for hospitalized patients on linezolid: an update

Linezolid is a weak, reversible monoamine oxidase inhibitor. The current practice at most hospitals is to place patients receiving linezolid on a tyramine-restricted diet. This process typically involves both the hospital's pharmacy department and the food and nutrition department. A literature search assessing the interaction between linezolid and tyramine was conducted, and the amount of tyramine in a typical unrestricted diet for a hospitalized patient was reviewed. Although patients receiving linezolid should avoid consuming large amounts of foods containing high concentrations of tyramine, such foods in large amounts are not components of meals for inpatients. Therefore, dietary tyramine restriction in hospitalized patients is not generally required.