Drug interactions
Dextromethorphan + Selegiline transdermal
Severity: Contraindicated
Dextromethorphan and Selegiline transdermal: contraindicated interaction.
Last updated Sources: UK SmPC
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
Selegiline is a monoamine oxidase inhibitor, and at antidepressant doses its transdermal form is not selective for MAO-B. Combined with dextromethorphan it can cause serotonin syndrome or hypertensive and behavioral reactions, and labeling for the patch contraindicates dextromethorphan.
What this interaction means in plain words
Dextromethorphan and Selegiline transdermal 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.
Why it happens
MAO inhibition by selegiline increases serotonin availability and potentiates the serotonergic effect of dextromethorphan.
What to do
Do not use together. Use a non-serotonergic antitussive during selegiline patch therapy.
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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References
- Benylin Dry Coughs 7.5mg / 5ml Syrup - SmPC sections 4.3/4.5 (class statement: monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs); "Dextromethorphan should not be used concurrently in patients taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or within 14 days of stopping treatment with MAOIs") — electronic medicines compendium (UK SmPC)
Other interactions of Dextromethorphan
- Dextromethorphan + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Dextromethorphan + Linezolid Contraindicated
- Dextromethorphan + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Dextromethorphan + Rasagiline Contraindicated
- Dextromethorphan + Safinamide Contraindicated
- Dextromethorphan + Selegiline Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Dextromethorphan with Selegiline transdermal?
MediHelp rates the interaction as contraindicated. Dextromethorphan and Selegiline transdermal 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. Selegiline is a monoamine oxidase inhibitor, and at antidepressant doses its transdermal form is not selective for MAO-B. Combined with dextromethorphan it can cause serotonin syndrome or hypertensive and behavioral reactions, and labeling for the patch contraindicates dextromethorphan.
How serious is the interaction between Dextromethorphan and Selegiline transdermal?
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 together. Use a non-serotonergic antitussive during selegiline patch therapy.
What other medicines interact with Dextromethorphan?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Dextromethorphan with, for example, Isocarboxazid, Linezolid, Phenelzine. The full list is on the Dextromethorphan page.
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