Drug interactions
Mestranol + Selegiline
Severity: Moderate
Mestranol and Selegiline: 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
Oral contraceptive estrogens can reduce the metabolism of selegiline and markedly raise its systemic levels. This may increase the risk of adverse effects such as hypotension, insomnia and, at high exposure, loss of MAO-B selectivity.
What this interaction means in plain words
Mestranol and Selegiline 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.
Why it happens
Inhibition of selegiline metabolism (CYP-mediated) by estrogens, increasing exposure.
What to do
Monitor for increased selegiline effects and use the lowest effective dose. Consider a non-hormonal contraceptive if adverse effects occur.
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?
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Other interactions of Selegiline
- Amitriptyline + Selegiline Contraindicated
- Amoxapine + Selegiline Contraindicated
- Atomoxetine + Selegiline Contraindicated
- Benzphetamine + Selegiline Contraindicated
- Brimonidine + Selegiline Contraindicated
- Buprenorphine long-acting + Selegiline Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Mestranol with Selegiline?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Mestranol and Selegiline 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. Oral contraceptive estrogens can reduce the metabolism of selegiline and markedly raise its systemic levels. This may increase the risk of adverse effects such as hypotension, insomnia and, at high exposure, loss of MAO-B selectivity.
How serious is the interaction between Mestranol and Selegiline?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor for increased selegiline effects and use the lowest effective dose. Consider a non-hormonal contraceptive if adverse effects occur.
What other medicines interact with Selegiline?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Selegiline with, for example, Amitriptyline, Amoxapine, Atomoxetine. The full list is on the Selegiline page.
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