Drug interactions
Nortriptyline + Pseudoephedrine
Severity: Moderate
Nortriptyline and Pseudoephedrine: 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
Nortriptyline blocks norepinephrine reuptake and can modify the response to pseudoephedrine. The result may be hypertension, tachycardia or arrhythmia, though responses vary.
What this interaction means in plain words
Nortriptyline and Pseudoephedrine 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.
Nortriptyline belongs to Central Nervous System; Pseudoephedrine belongs to Respiratory.
Why it happens
Tricyclic inhibition of norepinephrine reuptake and neuronal uptake of indirect sympathomimetics alters adrenergic responses.
What to do
Use non-sympathomimetic alternatives where possible. If needed, use the lowest dose briefly and monitor blood pressure and heart rate.
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 Pseudoephedrine
- Isocarboxazid + Pseudoephedrine Contraindicated
- Phenelzine + Pseudoephedrine Contraindicated
- Pseudoephedrine + Rasagiline Contraindicated
- Pseudoephedrine + Selegiline Contraindicated
- Pseudoephedrine + Selegiline transdermal Contraindicated
- Pseudoephedrine + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
Other interactions of Nortriptyline
- Disopyramide + Nortriptyline Contraindicated
- Dofetilide + Nortriptyline Contraindicated
- Dronedarone + Nortriptyline Contraindicated
- Ibutilide + Nortriptyline Contraindicated
- Isocarboxazid + Nortriptyline Contraindicated
- Methylene blue + Nortriptyline Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Nortriptyline with Pseudoephedrine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Nortriptyline and Pseudoephedrine 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. Nortriptyline blocks norepinephrine reuptake and can modify the response to pseudoephedrine. The result may be hypertension, tachycardia or arrhythmia, though responses vary.
How serious is the interaction between Nortriptyline and Pseudoephedrine?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Use non-sympathomimetic alternatives where possible. If needed, use the lowest dose briefly and monitor blood pressure and heart rate.
What other medicines interact with Pseudoephedrine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Pseudoephedrine with, for example, Isocarboxazid, Phenelzine, Rasagiline. The full list is on the Pseudoephedrine page.
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