Drug interactions
Doxapram + Phenelzine
Severity: Major
Doxapram and Phenelzine: 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 is a respiratory stimulant that can raise blood pressure. In a patient on an MAOI the pressor effect may be amplified, risking hypertensive crisis.
What this interaction means in plain words
Doxapram and Phenelzine 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; Phenelzine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive pressor effects: MAOI-increased catecholamine stores combine with doxapram's sympathomimetic stimulation.
What to do
Avoid doxapram where possible in patients on phenelzine. If it is essential, give it at the lowest effective dose with continuous blood pressure and ECG monitoring.
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?
Pro+ members
Unlock the full page
Create an account and start a Pro+ trial to unlock the full management advice for Doxapram and Phenelzine, the additional notes, the evidence detail and the whole-prescription interaction checker.
- Full clinical management advice
- Additional notes
- Evidence detail
- Interaction checker for a whole prescription
Try Pro+ free for 7 days on the web. No card needed.
References
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 Doxapram
- Desflurane + Doxapram Major
- Dextroamphetamine + Doxapram Major
- Doxapram + Isocarboxazid Major
- Doxapram + Ketamine Major
- Doxapram + Linezolid Major
- Doxapram + Lisdexamfetamine Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Doxapram with Phenelzine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Doxapram and Phenelzine 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 is a respiratory stimulant that can raise blood pressure. In a patient on an MAOI the pressor effect may be amplified, risking hypertensive crisis.
How serious is the interaction between Doxapram and Phenelzine?
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 where possible in patients on phenelzine. If it is essential, give it at the lowest effective dose with continuous blood pressure and ECG monitoring.
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.
Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app
Open the complete reference, check multi-drug interactions and use dosing tools in the MediHelp app.
