Drug interactions
Norepinephrine + Selegiline
Severity: Major
Norepinephrine and Selegiline: 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
Norepinephrine given to a patient on an MAO inhibitor may produce an exaggerated pressor response. The effect is greatest with nonselective MAOIs, and is less certain with low-dose selegiline but still relevant.
What this interaction means in plain words
Norepinephrine and Selegiline 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
MAO inhibition reduces norepinephrine metabolism and increases neuronal stores, enhancing the pressor response.
What to do
If norepinephrine is needed, start at a low dose and titrate with continuous blood pressure monitoring. Alert the anesthesia or critical care team to MAOI use.
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?
Pro+ members
Unlock the full page
Create an account and start a Pro+ trial to unlock the full management advice for Norepinephrine and Selegiline, the additional notes, the evidence detail and the whole-prescription interaction checker.
- Full clinical management advice
- Additional notes
- Evidence detail
- Interaction checker for a whole prescription
Try Pro+ free for 7 days on the web. No card needed.
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 Norepinephrine with Selegiline?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Norepinephrine and Selegiline 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. Norepinephrine given to a patient on an MAO inhibitor may produce an exaggerated pressor response. The effect is greatest with nonselective MAOIs, and is less certain with low-dose selegiline but still relevant.
How serious is the interaction between Norepinephrine and Selegiline?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: If norepinephrine is needed, start at a low dose and titrate with continuous blood pressure monitoring. Alert the anesthesia or critical care team to MAOI use.
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.
Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app
Open the complete reference, check multi-drug interactions and use dosing tools in the MediHelp app.
