Drug interactions
Dexchlorpheniramine + Phenelzine
Severity: Moderate
Dexchlorpheniramine 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
MAO inhibitors can prolong and intensify the anticholinergic effects of first-generation antihistamines such as dexchlorpheniramine. Additive sedation is also expected. This may cause confusion, urinary retention, dry mouth and impaired psychomotor performance, especially in older patients.
What this interaction means in plain words
Dexchlorpheniramine 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.
Dexchlorpheniramine belongs to Respiratory; Phenelzine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive anticholinergic and CNS depressant effects, with MAOI enhancement of antihistamine anticholinergic activity.
What to do
Monitor for sedation and anticholinergic effects, using the lowest effective dose. Consider a second-generation antihistamine as an alternative.
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?
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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 Dexchlorpheniramine
- Alprazolam + Dexchlorpheniramine Moderate
- Amisulpride + Dexchlorpheniramine Moderate
- Amitriptyline + Dexchlorpheniramine Moderate
- Amobarbital + Dexchlorpheniramine Moderate
- Asenapine + Dexchlorpheniramine Moderate
- Azelastine-fluticasone + Dexchlorpheniramine Moderate
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Dexchlorpheniramine with Phenelzine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Dexchlorpheniramine 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. MAO inhibitors can prolong and intensify the anticholinergic effects of first-generation antihistamines such as dexchlorpheniramine. Additive sedation is also expected. This may cause confusion, urinary retention, dry mouth and impaired psychomotor performance, especially in older patients.
How serious is the interaction between Dexchlorpheniramine 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 for sedation and anticholinergic effects, using the lowest effective dose. Consider a second-generation antihistamine as an alternative.
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.
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