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Drug interactions

Brompheniramine + Phenelzine

Severity: Moderate

Brompheniramine and Phenelzine: 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

Sedating antihistamines add to the CNS depression of phenelzine, and MAO inhibitors can prolong and intensify anticholinergic effects. Patients may develop marked drowsiness, dry mouth, urinary retention, constipation or confusion.

What this interaction means in plain words

Brompheniramine and Phenelzine 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.

Brompheniramine belongs to Respiratory; Phenelzine belongs to Central Nervous System.

Evidence level: Low

Why it happens

Additive CNS depression and anticholinergic effects, with MAO inhibition potentially intensifying antihistamine anticholinergic activity.

What to do

Prefer a non-sedating antihistamine with low anticholinergic activity, or use the lowest dose and monitor for sedation and anticholinergic effects. Avoid combination products that contain decongestants.

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?

Bring a full list of your medicines, including over-the-counter products, supplements and herbal remedies, to every pharmacy visit.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I take Brompheniramine with Phenelzine?

MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Brompheniramine and Phenelzine 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. Sedating antihistamines add to the CNS depression of phenelzine, and MAO inhibitors can prolong and intensify anticholinergic effects. Patients may develop marked drowsiness, dry mouth, urinary retention, constipation or confusion.

How serious is the interaction between Brompheniramine and Phenelzine?

MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Prefer a non-sedating antihistamine with low anticholinergic activity, or use the lowest dose and monitor for sedation and anticholinergic effects. Avoid combination products that contain decongestants.

What other medicines interact with Phenelzine?

MediHelp also lists interactions of Phenelzine with, for example, 5-HTP, Amitriptyline, Amoxapine. The full list is on the Phenelzine page.

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