Drug interactions
Chlorpropamide + Phenelzine
Severity: Moderate
Chlorpropamide 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
MAOIs can potentiate the hypoglycemic effect of sulfonylureas, increasing the risk of prolonged or severe hypoglycemia. Chlorpropamide has a long half-life, so episodes may last longer.
What this interaction means in plain words
Chlorpropamide 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.
Chlorpropamide belongs to Endocrine; Phenelzine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
MAOIs may enhance insulin secretion and impair counter-regulation, adding to sulfonylurea-induced insulin release; the exact mechanism is not fully established.
What to do
Monitor blood glucose closely when starting, stopping or changing the MAOI. Reduce the sulfonylurea dose if hypoglycemia occurs.
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 Chlorpropamide 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 Chlorpropamide
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Chlorpropamide with Phenelzine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Chlorpropamide 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. MAOIs can potentiate the hypoglycemic effect of sulfonylureas, increasing the risk of prolonged or severe hypoglycemia. Chlorpropamide has a long half-life, so episodes may last longer.
How serious is the interaction between Chlorpropamide 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: Monitor blood glucose closely when starting, stopping or changing the MAOI. Reduce the sulfonylurea dose if hypoglycemia occurs.
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.
