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Drug interactions

Epinephrine + Promazine

Severity: Moderate

Epinephrine and Promazine: moderate 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

Promazine, a phenothiazine, has alpha-blocking properties that can reverse the pressor effect of epinephrine and cause hypotension. It can also prolong the QT interval, adding to arrhythmic risk.

What this interaction means in plain words

Epinephrine and Promazine can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.

Evidence level: Moderate

Why it happens

Alpha-adrenergic blockade by the phenothiazine unmasks epinephrine's beta-mediated vasodilation, with additive QT effects.

What to do

Avoid using epinephrine to treat phenothiazine-induced hypotension and use norepinephrine or phenylephrine instead. Monitor blood pressure and ECG.

What to ask your pharmacist

  • Should I take them at different times of day?
  • Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
  • Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?

Bring a full list of your medicines, including over-the-counter products, supplements and herbal remedies, to every pharmacy visit.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I take Epinephrine with Promazine?

MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Epinephrine and Promazine can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Promazine, a phenothiazine, has alpha-blocking properties that can reverse the pressor effect of epinephrine and cause hypotension. It can also prolong the QT interval, adding to arrhythmic risk.

How serious is the interaction between Epinephrine and Promazine?

MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid using epinephrine to treat phenothiazine-induced hypotension and use norepinephrine or phenylephrine instead. Monitor blood pressure and ECG.

What other medicines interact with Epinephrine?

MediHelp also lists interactions of Epinephrine with, for example, Isocarboxazid, Phenelzine, Tranylcypromine. The full list is on the Epinephrine page.

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