Drug interactions
Oxymetazoline + Tranylcypromine
Severity: Major
Oxymetazoline and Tranylcypromine: 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
Tranylcypromine increases norepinephrine stores and can provoke hypertensive crises with sympathomimetics. Intranasal oxymetazoline has low systemic absorption but may still raise blood pressure, so the combination is generally avoided.
What this interaction means in plain words
Oxymetazoline and Tranylcypromine 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.
Oxymetazoline belongs to Respiratory; Tranylcypromine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
MAO inhibition increases neuronal norepinephrine, enhancing pressor responses to alpha-adrenergic agonists.
What to do
Avoid oxymetazoline and use saline or other non-vasoconstrictor options. If a dose is given, monitor blood pressure and warn about severe headache.
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 Oxymetazoline
- Isocarboxazid + Oxymetazoline Major
- Oxymetazoline + Phenelzine Major
- Amitriptyline + Oxymetazoline Moderate
- Amoxapine + Oxymetazoline Moderate
- Clomipramine + Oxymetazoline Moderate
- Desipramine + Oxymetazoline 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 Oxymetazoline with Tranylcypromine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Oxymetazoline and Tranylcypromine 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. Tranylcypromine increases norepinephrine stores and can provoke hypertensive crises with sympathomimetics. Intranasal oxymetazoline has low systemic absorption but may still raise blood pressure, so the combination is generally avoided.
How serious is the interaction between Oxymetazoline and Tranylcypromine?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid oxymetazoline and use saline or other non-vasoconstrictor options. If a dose is given, monitor blood pressure and warn about severe headache.
What other medicines interact with Oxymetazoline?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Oxymetazoline with, for example, Isocarboxazid, Phenelzine, Amitriptyline. The full list is on the Oxymetazoline page.
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