Drug interactions
Cetirizine + Phenelzine
Severity: Minor
Cetirizine and Phenelzine: minor 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
Phenelzine can intensify and prolong the anticholinergic and sedative effects of antihistamines. Cetirizine has weak anticholinergic activity, so the effect is expected to be small, but drowsiness, dry mouth and urinary retention may be more pronounced.
What this interaction means in plain words
Cetirizine and Phenelzine have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Cetirizine belongs to Respiratory; Phenelzine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive CNS depression and possible potentiation of anticholinergic effects by MAO inhibition; the mechanism is not firmly established for cetirizine.
What to do
Monitor for increased sedation and anticholinergic effects when cetirizine is added to phenelzine. Reduce the cetirizine dose or consider an alternative if symptoms are troublesome.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there anything I should notice while taking both?
- Do I need to tell my doctor at the next visit?
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Other interactions of Cetirizine
- Acrivastine + Cetirizine Moderate
- Amisulpride + Cetirizine Moderate
- Asenapine + Cetirizine Moderate
- Avapritinib + Cetirizine Moderate
- Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen + Cetirizine Moderate
- Brexpiprazole + Cetirizine Moderate
Other interactions of Phenelzine
- 5-HTP + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Amitriptyline + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Amoxapine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Atomoxetine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Benzphetamine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Brimonidine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Cetirizine with Phenelzine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Cetirizine and Phenelzine have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Phenelzine can intensify and prolong the anticholinergic and sedative effects of antihistamines. Cetirizine has weak anticholinergic activity, so the effect is expected to be small, but drowsiness, dry mouth and urinary retention may be more pronounced.
How serious is the interaction between Cetirizine and Phenelzine?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor for increased sedation and anticholinergic effects when cetirizine is added to phenelzine. Reduce the cetirizine dose or consider an alternative if symptoms are troublesome.
What other medicines interact with Cetirizine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Cetirizine with, for example, Acrivastine, Amisulpride, Asenapine. The full list is on the Cetirizine page.
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