Two medicines, side by side
Citalopram vs linezolid
Citalopram is labeled for depression; linezolid for bacterial infections. Their labels share no use, so they are not alternatives to each other. Drugs@FDA records approvals of citalopram since 1998 and of linezolid since 2000. Pharmacies paid $0.026 per citalopram hbr 10 mg tablet and $1.44 per linezolid 600 mg tablet (NADAC, October 7, 2026); the strengths differ, so the two prices are not like for like. In FDA's classes, citalopram is a serotonin reuptake inhibitor and linezolid an oxazolidinone antibacterial.
Check it at the source: the citalopram FDA label on DailyMed (effective October 9, 2023); the linezolid FDA label on DailyMed (effective June 19, 2026).
Highlights of the citalopram record
Citalopram (Celexa) · label of October 9, 2023
SUICIDAL THOUGHTS AND BEHAVIORS Antidepressants increased the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in pediatric and young adult patients in short -term studies. Closely m onitor all antidepressant-treated patients for clinical worsening, and for emergence of suicidal thoughts and behaviors [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )]. CELEXA is not approved for use in pediatric patients [see Use in Specific Populations ( 8.4 )].
Used for
From the label: indicationsCELEXA is indicated for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults [see Clinical Studies ( 14 )]. CELEXA is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) indicated for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults ( 1 ).
On the market
- Earliest approval on file
- July 17, 1998
- Generic labelers
- 35 labelers
- Pharmacy cost
- $0.026 per tablet
Supply and safety
- Shortage
- No current entry
- Recalls
- 5
Highlights of the linezolid record
Linezolid (Zyvox) · label of June 19, 2026
Used for
From the label: indicationsLinezolid injection is an oxazolidinone-class antibacterial indicated in adults and children for the treatment of the following infections caused by susceptible Gram-positive bacteria: Nosocomial pneumonia ( 1.1 ); Community-acquired pneumonia ( 1.2 ); Complicated skin and skin structure infections, including diabetic foot infections, without concomitant osteomyelitis ( 1.3 ); […]
On the market
- Earliest approval on file
- April 18, 2000
- Generic labelers
- 24 labelers
- Pharmacy cost
- $1.44 per tablet
Supply and safety
- Shortage
- No current entry
- Recalls
- 4
Source: FDA drug labels via openFDA (Citalopram label of October 9, 2023, Linezolid label of June 19, 2026); NDC Directory, Drugs@FDA, NADAC, FDA shortages and recalls (October 8, 2026)
How do citalopram and linezolid differ on the record?
In FDA's classes, citalopram is a serotonin reuptake inhibitor and linezolid an oxazolidinone antibacterial.
How each works, in its label's words: Citalopram, “The mechanism of action of citalopram is unclear, but is presumed to be related to potentiation of serotonergic activity in the central nervous system (CNS) resulting from its inhibition of CNS …”; Linezolid, “Linezolid is an antibacterial drug [ see Microbiology (12.4) ].”
Only the citalopram label carries a boxed warning.
Generics: citalopram since 2004; linezolid since 2012 (Drugs@FDA).
| Citalopram | Linezolid | |
|---|---|---|
| Labeled for | Depression | Bacterial infections |
| Pharmacologic class | Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor | Oxazolidinone Antibacterial |
| How it works (label) | The mechanism of action of citalopram is unclear, but is presumed to be related to potentiation of serotonergic activity in the central nervous system (CNS) resulting from its inhibition of CNS neuronal reuptake of serotonin (5-HT). | Linezolid is an antibacterial drug [ see Microbiology (12.4) ]. |
| Half-life (label) | Biotransformation of citalopram is mainly hepatic, with a mean terminal half-life of about 35 hours. | n/a |
| Earliest approval on file (Drugs@FDA) | July 17, 1998 | April 18, 2000 |
| First generic approved | October 28, 2004 | June 27, 2012 |
| Generic labelers (NDC) | 35 labelers | 24 labelers |
| Pharmacy cost (NADAC, each one's most listed form; strengths differ) | $0.026 per tablet (Citalopram hbr 10 mg tablet) | $1.44 per tablet (Linezolid 600 mg tablet) |
| 12-month price change | +6% | -2% |
| Boxed warning | Yes | No |
| Shortage now | No current entry | No current entry |
| Recalls recorded | 5 | 4 |
| FAERS reports (a report is not proof of cause; counts follow how widely a medicine is used) | 136,040 | 29,594 |
| DEA schedule | none | none |
Source: Drugs@FDA, FDA NDC Directory, CMS NADAC of October 7, 2026, FDA shortages and recalls, FAERS via openFDA (FDA files October 8, 2026)
Do their labels mention each other?
Citalopram label, drug interactionsClinically Important Drug Interactions with CELEXA Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) Clinical Impact Concomitant use of SSRIs, including CELEXA, and MAOIs increases the risk of serotonin syndrome. Intervention CELEXA is contraindicated in patients taking MAOIs, including MAOIs such as linezolid or intravenous methylene blue [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.5 ), Contraindications ( 4 ), Warnings and Precautions …
Citalopram label, warnings and precautionsIf it is necessary to initiate treatment with an MAOI such as linezolid or intravenous methylene blue in a patient taking CELEXA, discontinue CELEXA before initiating treatment with the MAOI [see Contraindications ( 4 ), Drug Interactions ( 7 )].
Source: FDA drug labels via openFDA
What do the labels say about using others of their kind?
Citalopram label, drug interactionsConcomitant use of CELEXA and other serotonergic drugs (including other SSRIs, SNRIs, triptans, tricyclic antidepressants, opioids, lithium, buspirone, amphetamines, tryptophan, and St. John's Wort) increases the risk of serotonin syndrome.
Source: FDA drug labels via openFDA
What next?
- Alternatives to citalopram
- every medicine labeled for the same conditions