Drug interactions
Diethylpropion + Pseudoephedrine
Severity: Major
Diethylpropion and Pseudoephedrine: major 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
Both are sympathomimetic stimulants, and the combination can produce marked rises in blood pressure and heart rate, nervousness and arrhythmias. The additive stimulation is a concern in patients with cardiovascular disease.
What this interaction means in plain words
Diethylpropion and Pseudoephedrine 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.
Why it happens
Additive norepinephrine release and adrenergic stimulation from two indirect sympathomimetic agents.
What to do
Avoid concurrent use where possible and recommend non-sympathomimetic congestion treatment. If unavoidable, monitor blood pressure and heart rate.
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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References
Other interactions of Pseudoephedrine
- Isocarboxazid + Pseudoephedrine Contraindicated
- Phenelzine + Pseudoephedrine Contraindicated
- Pseudoephedrine + Rasagiline Contraindicated
- Pseudoephedrine + Selegiline Contraindicated
- Pseudoephedrine + Selegiline transdermal Contraindicated
- Pseudoephedrine + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Diethylpropion with Pseudoephedrine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Diethylpropion and Pseudoephedrine 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 are sympathomimetic stimulants, and the combination can produce marked rises in blood pressure and heart rate, nervousness and arrhythmias. The additive stimulation is a concern in patients with cardiovascular disease.
How serious is the interaction between Diethylpropion and Pseudoephedrine?
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 concurrent use where possible and recommend non-sympathomimetic congestion treatment. If unavoidable, monitor blood pressure and heart rate.
What other medicines interact with Pseudoephedrine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Pseudoephedrine with, for example, Isocarboxazid, Phenelzine, Rasagiline. The full list is on the Pseudoephedrine page.
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