Drug interactions
Ephedrine + Maprotiline
Severity: Major
Ephedrine and Maprotiline: 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
Maprotiline can change the response to ephedrine, usually enhancing pressor and cardiac effects, though the response is unpredictable. This may cause hypertension, tachycardia or arrhythmia.
What this interaction means in plain words
Ephedrine and Maprotiline 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.
Ephedrine belongs to Cardiovascular; Maprotiline belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Maprotiline blocks norepinephrine reuptake and interferes with uptake of indirect-acting sympathomimetics into adrenergic neurons, altering the pressor response.
What to do
Avoid ephedrine-containing products where possible. If ephedrine is needed, start with low doses and monitor blood pressure and heart rate closely.
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 Maprotiline
- Arsenic trioxide + Maprotiline Contraindicated
- Disopyramide + Maprotiline Contraindicated
- Dofetilide + Maprotiline Contraindicated
- Ibutilide + Maprotiline Contraindicated
- Isocarboxazid + Maprotiline Contraindicated
- Maprotiline + Methylene blue Contraindicated
Other interactions of Ephedrine
- Ephedrine + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Ephedrine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Ephedrine + Procarbazine Contraindicated
- Ephedrine + Rasagiline Contraindicated
- Ephedrine + Selegiline Contraindicated
- Ephedrine + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Ephedrine with Maprotiline?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Ephedrine and Maprotiline 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. Maprotiline can change the response to ephedrine, usually enhancing pressor and cardiac effects, though the response is unpredictable. This may cause hypertension, tachycardia or arrhythmia.
How serious is the interaction between Ephedrine and Maprotiline?
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 ephedrine-containing products where possible. If ephedrine is needed, start with low doses and monitor blood pressure and heart rate closely.
What other medicines interact with Maprotiline?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Maprotiline with, for example, Arsenic trioxide, Disopyramide, Dofetilide. The full list is on the Maprotiline page.
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