Drug interactions
Epinephrine + Methamphetamine
Severity: Major
Epinephrine and Methamphetamine: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: US FDA label
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
Both drugs have sympathomimetic activity, so together they can cause marked increases in blood pressure and heart rate and may provoke arrhythmias. The risk is greater with systemic or repeated dosing and in patients with cardiovascular disease.
What this interaction means in plain words
Epinephrine and Methamphetamine 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.
Epinephrine belongs to Endocrine; Methamphetamine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive adrenergic stimulation through direct receptor agonism (epinephrine) and catecholamine release (methamphetamine).
What to do
Avoid unnecessary systemic epinephrine in patients taking methamphetamine; when it is required, such as in anaphylaxis, use the lowest effective dose with continuous ECG and blood pressure monitoring. Small amounts of local anesthetic epinephrine warrant less concern but still need monitoring.
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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References
Other interactions of Methamphetamine
- Isocarboxazid + Methamphetamine Contraindicated
- Linezolid + Methamphetamine Contraindicated
- Methamphetamine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Methamphetamine + Procarbazine Contraindicated
- Methamphetamine + Rasagiline Contraindicated
- Methamphetamine + Safinamide Contraindicated
Other interactions of Epinephrine
- Epinephrine + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Epinephrine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Epinephrine + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
- Acebutolol + Epinephrine Major
- Amitriptyline + Epinephrine Major
- Amoxapine + Epinephrine Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Epinephrine with Methamphetamine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Epinephrine and Methamphetamine 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. Both drugs have sympathomimetic activity, so together they can cause marked increases in blood pressure and heart rate and may provoke arrhythmias. The risk is greater with systemic or repeated dosing and in patients with cardiovascular disease.
How serious is the interaction between Epinephrine and Methamphetamine?
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 unnecessary systemic epinephrine in patients taking methamphetamine; when it is required, such as in anaphylaxis, use the lowest effective dose with continuous ECG and blood pressure monitoring. Small amounts of local anesthetic epinephrine warrant less concern but still need monitoring.
What other medicines interact with Methamphetamine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Methamphetamine with, for example, Isocarboxazid, Linezolid, Phenelzine. The full list is on the Methamphetamine page.
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