Drug interactions
Ephedrine + Phenelzine
Severity: Contraindicated
Ephedrine and Phenelzine: 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 releases norepinephrine, and MAO inhibitors greatly enhance this effect. Hypertensive crisis with severe headache and possible stroke can occur.
What this interaction means in plain words
Ephedrine and Phenelzine 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; Phenelzine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
MAO inhibition prevents norepinephrine breakdown, amplifying the indirect sympathomimetic action of ephedrine.
What to do
Avoid ephedrine and ephedrine-containing products during phenelzine therapy and for 14 days after. If a pressor is needed in emergencies, use a direct-acting agent at reduced dose 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 Phenelzine
- 5-HTP + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Amitriptyline + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Amoxapine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Atomoxetine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Benzphetamine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Brimonidine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
Other interactions of Ephedrine
- Ephedrine + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Ephedrine + Procarbazine Contraindicated
- Ephedrine + Rasagiline Contraindicated
- Ephedrine + Selegiline Contraindicated
- Ephedrine + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
- Caffeine + Ephedrine Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Ephedrine with Phenelzine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as contraindicated. Ephedrine and Phenelzine 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 releases norepinephrine, and MAO inhibitors greatly enhance this effect. Hypertensive crisis with severe headache and possible stroke can occur.
How serious is the interaction between Ephedrine and Phenelzine?
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 and ephedrine-containing products during phenelzine therapy and for 14 days after. If a pressor is needed in emergencies, use a direct-acting agent at reduced dose with close 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.
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