Drug interactions
Methyldopa + Tranylcypromine
Severity: Contraindicated
Methyldopa and Tranylcypromine: 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
MAO inhibitors are listed as contraindicated with methyldopa in labeling because of the risk of hypertensive reactions and excitation, and tranylcypromine may also oppose the hypotensive effect. Methyldopa is metabolised to catecholamine-like compounds that can be potentiated when MAO is inhibited.
What this interaction means in plain words
Methyldopa and Tranylcypromine 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.
Methyldopa belongs to Cardiovascular; Tranylcypromine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
MAO inhibition prevents breakdown of methyldopa-derived catecholamine metabolites, causing excess adrenergic stimulation.
What to do
Do not combine. Allow an adequate washout, about 14 days after stopping the MAOI, before starting methyldopa, and choose another antihypertensive.
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 Methyldopa
- Iobenguane i + Methyldopa Major
- Lofexidine + Methyldopa Major
- Methyldopa + Pexidartinib Major
- Methyldopa + Pretomanid Major
- Methyldopa + Thioridazine Major
- Adrenaline-articaine + Methyldopa Moderate
Other interactions of Tranylcypromine
- 5-HTP + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
- Amitriptyline + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
- Amoxapine + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
- Atomoxetine + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
- Benzphetamine + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
- Brimonidine + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Methyldopa with Tranylcypromine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as contraindicated. Methyldopa and Tranylcypromine 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. MAO inhibitors are listed as contraindicated with methyldopa in labeling because of the risk of hypertensive reactions and excitation, and tranylcypromine may also oppose the hypotensive effect. Methyldopa is metabolised to catecholamine-like compounds that can be potentiated when MAO is inhibited.
How serious is the interaction between Methyldopa and Tranylcypromine?
MediHelp rates it contraindicated, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Do not combine. Allow an adequate washout, about 14 days after stopping the MAOI, before starting methyldopa, and choose another antihypertensive.
What other medicines interact with Methyldopa?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Methyldopa with, for example, Iobenguane i, Lofexidine, Pexidartinib. The full list is on the Methyldopa page.
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