Drug interactions
Ephedrine + Tranylcypromine
Severity: Contraindicated
Ephedrine and Tranylcypromine: 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 indirectly and acts on adrenergic receptors, and MAO inhibition amplifies the response. Hypertensive crisis can occur.
What this interaction means in plain words
Ephedrine and Tranylcypromine 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; Tranylcypromine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Indirect sympathomimetic release of norepinephrine potentiated by blocked MAO degradation of catecholamines.
What to do
Avoid ephedrine and similar indirect sympathomimetics, including cold remedies, during and for 14 days after MAOI therapy. If hypotension needs treatment, prefer a direct-acting agent in small, titrated doses with blood pressure 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 Tranylcypromine
- 5-HTP + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
- Amitriptyline + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
- Amoxapine + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
- Atomoxetine + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
- Benzphetamine + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
- Brimonidine + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
Other interactions of Ephedrine
- Ephedrine + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Ephedrine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Ephedrine + Procarbazine Contraindicated
- Ephedrine + Rasagiline Contraindicated
- Ephedrine + Selegiline Contraindicated
- Caffeine + Ephedrine Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Ephedrine with Tranylcypromine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as contraindicated. Ephedrine and Tranylcypromine 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 indirectly and acts on adrenergic receptors, and MAO inhibition amplifies the response. Hypertensive crisis can occur.
How serious is the interaction between Ephedrine and Tranylcypromine?
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 similar indirect sympathomimetics, including cold remedies, during and for 14 days after MAOI therapy. If hypotension needs treatment, prefer a direct-acting agent in small, titrated doses with blood pressure monitoring.
What other medicines interact with Tranylcypromine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Tranylcypromine with, for example, 5-HTP, Amitriptyline, Amoxapine. The full list is on the Tranylcypromine page.
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