Drug interactions
Cocaine + Dextroamphetamine
Severity: Major
Cocaine and Dextroamphetamine: 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 increase synaptic monoamines and have sympathomimetic effects. Combined use can increase blood pressure and heart rate and the risk of arrhythmia, and systemic absorption from topical medical cocaine is limited but can be significant on mucosal surfaces. Illicit or high-dose cocaine use would carry a greater risk.
What this interaction means in plain words
Cocaine and Dextroamphetamine 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.
Cocaine belongs to Central Nervous System; Dextroamphetamine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive monoamine reuptake inhibition (cocaine) and release (amphetamine), producing sympathomimetic and serotonergic effects.
What to do
Avoid using cocaine in patients taking dextroamphetamine where alternative anesthetics exist. If it is used, monitor blood pressure, heart rate and ECG and limit the dose.
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 Dextroamphetamine
- Dextroamphetamine + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Dextroamphetamine + Linezolid Contraindicated
- Dextroamphetamine + Methylene blue Contraindicated
- Dextroamphetamine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Dextroamphetamine + Rasagiline Contraindicated
- Dextroamphetamine + Safinamide Contraindicated
Other interactions of Cocaine
- Cocaine + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Cocaine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Cocaine + Procarbazine Contraindicated
- Amitriptyline + Cocaine Major
- Bisoprolol + Cocaine Major
- Citalopram + Cocaine Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Cocaine with Dextroamphetamine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Cocaine and Dextroamphetamine 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 increase synaptic monoamines and have sympathomimetic effects. Combined use can increase blood pressure and heart rate and the risk of arrhythmia, and systemic absorption from topical medical cocaine is limited but can be significant on mucosal surfaces. Illicit or high-dose cocaine use would carry a greater risk.
How serious is the interaction between Cocaine and Dextroamphetamine?
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 using cocaine in patients taking dextroamphetamine where alternative anesthetics exist. If it is used, monitor blood pressure, heart rate and ECG and limit the dose.
What other medicines interact with Dextroamphetamine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Dextroamphetamine with, for example, Isocarboxazid, Linezolid, Methylene blue. The full list is on the Dextroamphetamine page.
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