Drug interactions
Chlorpheniramine + Phenelzine
Severity: Moderate
Chlorpheniramine 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
Chlorpheniramine is sedating and anticholinergic, and phenelzine may enhance both effects. This can cause excessive drowsiness, confusion, dry mouth and urinary retention.
What this interaction means in plain words
Chlorpheniramine 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.
Chlorpheniramine belongs to Respiratory; Phenelzine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive CNS depression and anticholinergic effects, with MAO inhibition potentially intensifying antihistamine anticholinergic activity.
What to do
Consider a non-sedating antihistamine instead, or use a low dose and monitor for sedation and anticholinergic effects. Check that cold products do not also contain sympathomimetic decongestants, which are hazardous with phenelzine.
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?
Pro+ members
Unlock the full page
Create an account and start a Pro+ trial to unlock the full management advice for Chlorpheniramine and Phenelzine, the additional notes, the evidence detail and the whole-prescription interaction checker.
- Full clinical management advice
- Additional notes
- Evidence detail
- Interaction checker for a whole prescription
Try Pro+ free for 7 days on the web. No card needed.
Other interactions of Phenelzine
- 5-HTP + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Amitriptyline + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Amoxapine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Atomoxetine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Benzphetamine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Brimonidine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
Other interactions of Chlorpheniramine
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Chlorpheniramine with Phenelzine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Chlorpheniramine 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. Chlorpheniramine is sedating and anticholinergic, and phenelzine may enhance both effects. This can cause excessive drowsiness, confusion, dry mouth and urinary retention.
How serious is the interaction between Chlorpheniramine 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: Consider a non-sedating antihistamine instead, or use a low dose and monitor for sedation and anticholinergic effects. Check that cold products do not also contain sympathomimetic decongestants, which are hazardous with phenelzine.
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.
Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app
Open the complete reference, check multi-drug interactions and use dosing tools in the MediHelp app.
