Drug interactions
Bromocriptine + Pseudoephedrine
Severity: Major
Bromocriptine and Pseudoephedrine: major 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
Both drugs can raise blood pressure, and case reports describe severe hypertension, headache and arrhythmia when bromocriptine is combined with sympathomimetics. Risk is higher in postpartum patients and those with cardiovascular disease.
What this interaction means in plain words
Bromocriptine and Pseudoephedrine can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Bromocriptine belongs to Central Nervous System; Pseudoephedrine belongs to Respiratory.
Why it happens
Additive pressor effects from sympathomimetic stimulation and dopamine agonist-related vasoconstriction.
What to do
Avoid pseudoephedrine in patients taking bromocriptine, especially postpartum; if unavoidable, monitor blood pressure and heart rhythm closely.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
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Other interactions of Pseudoephedrine
- Isocarboxazid + Pseudoephedrine Contraindicated
- Phenelzine + Pseudoephedrine Contraindicated
- Pseudoephedrine + Rasagiline Contraindicated
- Pseudoephedrine + Selegiline Contraindicated
- Pseudoephedrine + Selegiline transdermal Contraindicated
- Pseudoephedrine + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
Other interactions of Bromocriptine
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Bromocriptine with Pseudoephedrine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Bromocriptine and Pseudoephedrine can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Both drugs can raise blood pressure, and case reports describe severe hypertension, headache and arrhythmia when bromocriptine is combined with sympathomimetics. Risk is higher in postpartum patients and those with cardiovascular disease.
How serious is the interaction between Bromocriptine and Pseudoephedrine?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid pseudoephedrine in patients taking bromocriptine, especially postpartum; if unavoidable, monitor blood pressure and heart rhythm closely.
What other medicines interact with Pseudoephedrine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Pseudoephedrine with, for example, Isocarboxazid, Phenelzine, Rasagiline. The full list is on the Pseudoephedrine page.
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