Drug interactions
Metrizamide + Phenelzine
Severity: Major
Metrizamide and Phenelzine: 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
Metrizamide is an intrathecal contrast agent that lowers the seizure threshold. Drugs that also lower the seizure threshold, including MAO inhibitors, may increase the risk of seizures after myelography.
What this interaction means in plain words
Metrizamide and Phenelzine 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
Additive lowering of the seizure threshold; the precise mechanism is not established.
What to do
Where feasible, withhold the MAO inhibitor for about 24 hours before intrathecal metrizamide and resume it afterwards. Have seizure precautions in place during and after the procedure.
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 Phenelzine
- 5-HTP + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Amitriptyline + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Amoxapine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Atomoxetine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Benzphetamine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Brimonidine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Metrizamide with Phenelzine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Metrizamide and Phenelzine 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. Metrizamide is an intrathecal contrast agent that lowers the seizure threshold. Drugs that also lower the seizure threshold, including MAO inhibitors, may increase the risk of seizures after myelography.
How serious is the interaction between Metrizamide and Phenelzine?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Where feasible, withhold the MAO inhibitor for about 24 hours before intrathecal metrizamide and resume it afterwards. Have seizure precautions in place during and after the procedure.
What other medicines interact with Phenelzine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Phenelzine with, for example, 5-HTP, Amitriptyline, Amoxapine. The full list is on the Phenelzine page.
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