Drug interactions
Bretylium + Safinamide
Severity: Moderate
Bretylium and Safinamide: moderate interaction.
Last updated
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Bretylium releases norepinephrine from sympathetic nerve terminals, and MAO inhibition may potentiate this effect. Hypertension, tachycardia or arrhythmia may result.
What this interaction means in plain words
Bretylium and Safinamide can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Why it happens
MAO inhibition decreases catecholamine breakdown, amplifying bretylium-released norepinephrine.
What to do
Monitor blood pressure and heart rhythm closely when the two are used together. Consider an alternative antiarrhythmic if pressor effects occur.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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Other interactions of Safinamide
- Amitriptyline + Safinamide Contraindicated
- Amoxapine + Safinamide Contraindicated
- Amphetamine polistirex + Safinamide Contraindicated
- Clomipramine + Safinamide Contraindicated
- Cyclobenzaprine + Safinamide Contraindicated
- Desipramine + Safinamide Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Bretylium with Safinamide?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Bretylium and Safinamide can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Bretylium releases norepinephrine from sympathetic nerve terminals, and MAO inhibition may potentiate this effect. Hypertension, tachycardia or arrhythmia may result.
How serious is the interaction between Bretylium and Safinamide?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor blood pressure and heart rhythm closely when the two are used together. Consider an alternative antiarrhythmic if pressor effects occur.
What other medicines interact with Safinamide?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Safinamide with, for example, Amitriptyline, Amoxapine, Amphetamine polistirex. The full list is on the Safinamide page.
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