Drug interactions
Pentazocine + Tranylcypromine
Severity: Contraindicated
Pentazocine and Tranylcypromine: 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
Tranylcypromine, a non-selective irreversible MAOI, combined with pentazocine may cause serotonin syndrome, hypertensive or hypotensive crisis, hyperthermia and deep sedation. Reactions can be life-threatening.
What this interaction means in plain words
Pentazocine and Tranylcypromine 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.
Pentazocine belongs to Musculoskeletal; Tranylcypromine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Irreversible MAO inhibition potentiates the serotonergic and CNS-depressant effects of pentazocine.
What to do
Do not co-administer, and keep a 14-day gap after stopping tranylcypromine before using pentazocine. Use a non-serotonergic alternative analgesic.
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 Pentazocine
- Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates + Pentazocine Contraindicated
- Olanzapine / samidorphan + Pentazocine Contraindicated
- Pentazocine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Alfentanil + Pentazocine Major
- Alprazolam + Pentazocine Major
- Alvimopan + Pentazocine Major
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 Pentazocine with Tranylcypromine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as contraindicated. Pentazocine and Tranylcypromine 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. Tranylcypromine, a non-selective irreversible MAOI, combined with pentazocine may cause serotonin syndrome, hypertensive or hypotensive crisis, hyperthermia and deep sedation. Reactions can be life-threatening.
How serious is the interaction between Pentazocine and Tranylcypromine?
MediHelp rates it contraindicated, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Do not co-administer, and keep a 14-day gap after stopping tranylcypromine before using pentazocine. Use a non-serotonergic alternative analgesic.
What other medicines interact with Pentazocine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Pentazocine with, for example, Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates, Olanzapine / samidorphan, Phenelzine. The full list is on the Pentazocine page.
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