Drug interactions
Doxapram + Isocarboxazid
Severity: Major
Doxapram and Isocarboxazid: 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
Doxapram has pressor effects, and with an MAOI these may be additive, causing hypertension and possibly hypertensive crisis. The risk is greater with intravenous doxapram.
What this interaction means in plain words
Doxapram and Isocarboxazid 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.
Doxapram belongs to Central Nervous System; Isocarboxazid belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive pressor effects, with MAO inhibition increasing sympathetic amplification.
What to do
Avoid doxapram in patients on MAOIs where possible. If used, monitor blood pressure continuously and keep antihypertensive treatment available.
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
- Doxapram hydrochloride 20 mg/ml Solution for injection - SmPC sections 4.3/4.5 (class statement: monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs); "Doxapram hydrochloride should also be administered with great care to patients being treated concurrently with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).") — electronic medicines compendium (UK SmPC)
Other interactions of Isocarboxazid
- 5-HTP + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Amitriptyline + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Amobarbital + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Amoxapine + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Apraclonidine + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Atomoxetine + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
Other interactions of Doxapram
- Desflurane + Doxapram Major
- Dextroamphetamine + Doxapram Major
- Doxapram + Ketamine Major
- Doxapram + Linezolid Major
- Doxapram + Lisdexamfetamine Major
- Doxapram + Methamphetamine Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Doxapram with Isocarboxazid?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Doxapram and Isocarboxazid 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. Doxapram has pressor effects, and with an MAOI these may be additive, causing hypertension and possibly hypertensive crisis. The risk is greater with intravenous doxapram.
How serious is the interaction between Doxapram and Isocarboxazid?
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 doxapram in patients on MAOIs where possible. If used, monitor blood pressure continuously and keep antihypertensive treatment available.
What other medicines interact with Isocarboxazid?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Isocarboxazid with, for example, 5-HTP, Amitriptyline, Amobarbital. The full list is on the Isocarboxazid page.
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