Drug interactions
Isocarboxazid + Levodopa
Severity: Contraindicated
Isocarboxazid and Levodopa: 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
Levodopa with a nonselective MAOI can cause hypertensive crisis. Dopamine and norepinephrine formed from levodopa are not metabolized normally.
What this interaction means in plain words
Isocarboxazid and Levodopa 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.
Isocarboxazid belongs to Central Nervous System; Levodopa belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Nonselective MAO inhibition prevents breakdown of dopamine and norepinephrine formed from levodopa, producing excessive adrenergic stimulation.
What to do
Avoid the combination and stop the nonselective MAOI at least 2 weeks before starting levodopa. Selective MAO-B inhibitors are the acceptable alternative in Parkinson disease.
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 Isocarboxazid
- 5-HTP + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Amitriptyline + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Amobarbital + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Amoxapine + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Apraclonidine + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Atomoxetine + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
Other interactions of Levodopa
- Levodopa + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Levodopa + Phenelzine (nonselective MAOI) Contraindicated
- Levodopa + Procarbazine Contraindicated
- Levodopa + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
- Amisulpride + Levodopa Major
- Chlorpromazine + Levodopa Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Isocarboxazid with Levodopa?
MediHelp rates the interaction as contraindicated. Isocarboxazid and Levodopa 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. Levodopa with a nonselective MAOI can cause hypertensive crisis. Dopamine and norepinephrine formed from levodopa are not metabolized normally.
How serious is the interaction between Isocarboxazid and Levodopa?
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 the combination and stop the nonselective MAOI at least 2 weeks before starting levodopa. Selective MAO-B inhibitors are the acceptable alternative in Parkinson disease.
What other medicines interact with Isocarboxazid?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Isocarboxazid with, for example, 5-HTP, Amitriptyline, Amobarbital. The full list is on the Isocarboxazid page.
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