Drug interactions
Hydrocodone + Phenelzine
Severity: Contraindicated
Hydrocodone 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
MAOIs combined with opioids can cause serotonin syndrome or severe opioid toxicity including respiratory depression and coma. Labeling advises against opioid use during and for 14 days after MAOI therapy.
What this interaction means in plain words
Hydrocodone 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.
Hydrocodone belongs to Musculoskeletal; Phenelzine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Inhibition of monoamine oxidase raises serotonergic and noradrenergic activity, with possible potentiation of opioid CNS effects.
What to do
Avoid hydrocodone during MAOI therapy and for 14 days after stopping. Choose a non-serotonergic analgesic strategy and monitor closely if an opioid is unavoidable.
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 Hydrocodone
- Alvimopan + Hydrocodone Contraindicated
- Bupropion-naltrexone + Hydrocodone Contraindicated
- Hydrocodone + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Hydrocodone + Olanzapine / samidorphan Contraindicated
- Alfentanil + Hydrocodone Major
- Alprazolam + Hydrocodone Major
Other interactions of Phenelzine
- 5-HTP + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Amitriptyline + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Amoxapine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Atomoxetine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Benzphetamine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Brimonidine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Hydrocodone with Phenelzine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as contraindicated. Hydrocodone 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. MAOIs combined with opioids can cause serotonin syndrome or severe opioid toxicity including respiratory depression and coma. Labeling advises against opioid use during and for 14 days after MAOI therapy.
How serious is the interaction between Hydrocodone 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 hydrocodone during MAOI therapy and for 14 days after stopping. Choose a non-serotonergic analgesic strategy and monitor closely if an opioid is unavoidable.
What other medicines interact with Hydrocodone?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Hydrocodone with, for example, Alvimopan, Bupropion-naltrexone, Isocarboxazid. The full list is on the Hydrocodone page.
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