Drug interactions
Eletriptan + Methylene blue
Severity: Major
Eletriptan and Methylene blue: major 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
Methylene blue is a potent MAO-A inhibitor and can precipitate serotonin syndrome with serotonergic drugs. The regulatory warning applies to triptans including eletriptan. Serious CNS toxicity can occur.
What this interaction means in plain words
Eletriptan and Methylene blue 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
MAO-A inhibition by methylene blue raises serotonin levels, adding to the triptan's serotonergic activity.
What to do
Avoid the combination where possible. If methylene blue is urgently needed, stop eletriptan and monitor for serotonin toxicity; do not resume until 24 hours after the last methylene blue dose.
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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Other interactions of Eletriptan
- Almotriptan + Eletriptan Contraindicated
- Atazanavir + Eletriptan Contraindicated
- Ceritinib + Eletriptan Contraindicated
- Clarithromycin + Eletriptan Contraindicated
- Cobicistat + Eletriptan Contraindicated
- Conivaptan + Eletriptan Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Eletriptan with Methylene blue?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Eletriptan and Methylene blue 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. Methylene blue is a potent MAO-A inhibitor and can precipitate serotonin syndrome with serotonergic drugs. The regulatory warning applies to triptans including eletriptan. Serious CNS toxicity can occur.
How serious is the interaction between Eletriptan and Methylene blue?
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 the combination where possible. If methylene blue is urgently needed, stop eletriptan and monitor for serotonin toxicity; do not resume until 24 hours after the last methylene blue dose.
What other medicines interact with Eletriptan?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Eletriptan with, for example, Almotriptan, Atazanavir, Ceritinib. The full list is on the Eletriptan page.
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