Drug interactions
Hydromorphone + Selegiline transdermal
Severity: Major
Hydromorphone and Selegiline transdermal: major 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
Selegiline is an MAO inhibitor, and MAOIs with opioids can cause serotonin toxicity, hypotension, or excessive CNS depression. Hydromorphone has less serotonergic activity than other opioids, but the combination is still labeled to be avoided.
What this interaction means in plain words
Hydromorphone and Selegiline transdermal 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.
Why it happens
MAO inhibition may potentiate opioid CNS effects and, for some opioids, serotonergic toxicity; the exact mechanism with hydromorphone is not well established.
What to do
Avoid the combination where possible and choose an alternative analgesic; if used, monitor for serotonin syndrome, hypotension and respiratory depression.
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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Other interactions of Hydromorphone
- Alvimopan + Hydromorphone Contraindicated
- Bupropion-naltrexone + Hydromorphone Contraindicated
- Hydromorphone + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Hydromorphone + Olanzapine / samidorphan Contraindicated
- Hydromorphone + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Hydromorphone + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Hydromorphone with Selegiline transdermal?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Hydromorphone and Selegiline transdermal 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. Selegiline is an MAO inhibitor, and MAOIs with opioids can cause serotonin toxicity, hypotension, or excessive CNS depression. Hydromorphone has less serotonergic activity than other opioids, but the combination is still labeled to be avoided.
How serious is the interaction between Hydromorphone and Selegiline transdermal?
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 the combination where possible and choose an alternative analgesic; if used, monitor for serotonin syndrome, hypotension and respiratory depression.
What other medicines interact with Hydromorphone?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Hydromorphone with, for example, Alvimopan, Bupropion-naltrexone, Isocarboxazid. The full list is on the Hydromorphone page.
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