Drug interactions
Ephedrine + Isocarboxazid
Severity: Contraindicated
Ephedrine and Isocarboxazid: contraindicated 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
Ephedrine with an MAOI can cause severe hypertension and hypertensive crisis. Effects can be markedly greater than expected.
What this interaction means in plain words
Ephedrine and Isocarboxazid 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.
Ephedrine belongs to Cardiovascular; Isocarboxazid belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Ephedrine releases norepinephrine from nerve terminals that are loaded because of MAO inhibition, and metabolism is reduced, producing exaggerated pressor effects.
What to do
Avoid ephedrine, including in cold remedies, during and for 14 days after MAOI therapy. If a vasopressor is needed perioperatively, use a direct-acting agent in carefully titrated small doses with close monitoring.
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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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 Ephedrine
- Ephedrine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Ephedrine + Procarbazine Contraindicated
- Ephedrine + Rasagiline Contraindicated
- Ephedrine + Selegiline Contraindicated
- Ephedrine + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
- Caffeine + Ephedrine Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Ephedrine with Isocarboxazid?
MediHelp rates the interaction as contraindicated. Ephedrine and Isocarboxazid 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. Ephedrine with an MAOI can cause severe hypertension and hypertensive crisis. Effects can be markedly greater than expected.
How serious is the interaction between Ephedrine and Isocarboxazid?
MediHelp rates it contraindicated, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid ephedrine, including in cold remedies, during and for 14 days after MAOI therapy. If a vasopressor is needed perioperatively, use a direct-acting agent in carefully titrated small doses with close monitoring.
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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