Drug interactions
Isocarboxazid + Methylene blue
Severity: Contraindicated
Isocarboxazid and Methylene blue: 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
Methylene blue is a potent reversible MAO-A inhibitor and, combined with another MAOI, can cause serotonin syndrome. Severe cases have presented with confusion, hyperthermia, myoclonus and seizures.
What this interaction means in plain words
Isocarboxazid and Methylene blue 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.
Why it happens
Additive inhibition of monoamine oxidase, increasing synaptic serotonin.
What to do
Avoid unless methylene blue is needed for a life-threatening emergency; then stop the MAOI immediately and monitor for serotonin toxicity for 2 weeks or until 24 hours after the last methylene blue dose, whichever is first.
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
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Isocarboxazid with Methylene blue?
MediHelp rates the interaction as contraindicated. Isocarboxazid and Methylene blue 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. Methylene blue is a potent reversible MAO-A inhibitor and, combined with another MAOI, can cause serotonin syndrome. Severe cases have presented with confusion, hyperthermia, myoclonus and seizures.
How serious is the interaction between Isocarboxazid and Methylene blue?
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 unless methylene blue is needed for a life-threatening emergency; then stop the MAOI immediately and monitor for serotonin toxicity for 2 weeks or until 24 hours after the last methylene blue dose, whichever is first.
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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