Drug interactions
Codeine + Tranylcypromine
Severity: Contraindicated
Codeine and Tranylcypromine: contraindicated 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
Tranylcypromine, a nonselective MAOI, combined with codeine can cause serotonin syndrome or an opioid-MAOI reaction with hyperthermia, blood pressure instability, coma and respiratory depression, which may be fatal.
What this interaction means in plain words
Codeine and Tranylcypromine are not normally used together. Taking them at the same time is expected to cause harm or make one of them unsafe, so a different medicine is usually chosen for one of the two.
Codeine belongs to Musculoskeletal; Tranylcypromine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Irreversible MAO inhibition combined with opioid serotonergic and CNS depressant effects.
What to do
Do not use codeine during or within 14 days of stopping tranylcypromine. Use a non-serotonergic analgesic.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there an alternative to one of these two medicines for me?
- If both are essential, who is monitoring me and how often?
- Which symptoms mean I should stop and seek help straight away?
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Other interactions of Codeine
- Alvimopan + Codeine Contraindicated
- Codeine + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Codeine + Olanzapine / samidorphan Contraindicated
- Codeine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Alfentanil + Codeine Major
- Alprazolam + Codeine Major
Other interactions of Tranylcypromine
- 5-HTP + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
- Amitriptyline + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
- Amoxapine + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
- Atomoxetine + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
- Benzphetamine + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
- Brimonidine + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Codeine with Tranylcypromine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as contraindicated. Codeine and Tranylcypromine are not normally used together. Taking them at the same time is expected to cause harm or make one of them unsafe, so a different medicine is usually chosen for one of the two. Tranylcypromine, a nonselective MAOI, combined with codeine can cause serotonin syndrome or an opioid-MAOI reaction with hyperthermia, blood pressure instability, coma and respiratory depression, which may be fatal.
How serious is the interaction between Codeine and Tranylcypromine?
MediHelp rates it contraindicated, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Do not use codeine during or within 14 days of stopping tranylcypromine. Use a non-serotonergic analgesic.
What other medicines interact with Codeine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Codeine with, for example, Alvimopan, Isocarboxazid, Olanzapine / samidorphan. The full list is on the Codeine page.
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