Drug interactions
Norepinephrine + Phenelzine
Severity: Contraindicated
Norepinephrine and Phenelzine: 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 raise stores of norepinephrine in nerve terminals and reduce metabolism of the infused catecholamine, so pressor responses can be exaggerated. This can cause severe hypertension and arrhythmias.
What this interaction means in plain words
Norepinephrine and Phenelzine 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
Irreversible MAO inhibition and increased neuronal catecholamine stores potentiate the adrenergic effects of norepinephrine.
What to do
Avoid where possible. If a vasopressor is unavoidable in a patient on phenelzine, use the lowest dose with continuous blood pressure monitoring and careful titration.
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 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 Norepinephrine with Phenelzine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as contraindicated. Norepinephrine and Phenelzine 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 raise stores of norepinephrine in nerve terminals and reduce metabolism of the infused catecholamine, so pressor responses can be exaggerated. This can cause severe hypertension and arrhythmias.
How serious is the interaction between Norepinephrine and Phenelzine?
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 where possible. If a vasopressor is unavoidable in a patient on phenelzine, use the lowest dose with continuous blood pressure monitoring and careful titration.
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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