Drug interactions
Phenelzine + Pseudoephedrine
Severity: Contraindicated
Phenelzine and Pseudoephedrine: 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
Phenelzine is an irreversible MAO inhibitor, and pseudoephedrine releases norepinephrine from stores. This can produce a hypertensive crisis.
What this interaction means in plain words
Phenelzine and Pseudoephedrine 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.
Phenelzine belongs to Central Nervous System; Pseudoephedrine belongs to Respiratory.
Why it happens
MAO inhibition combined with indirect norepinephrine release causes an exaggerated pressor response.
What to do
Do not combine; avoid pseudoephedrine during and for two weeks after phenelzine. Use non-sympathomimetic alternatives.
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 Pseudoephedrine
- Isocarboxazid + Pseudoephedrine Contraindicated
- Pseudoephedrine + Rasagiline Contraindicated
- Pseudoephedrine + Selegiline Contraindicated
- Pseudoephedrine + Selegiline transdermal Contraindicated
- Pseudoephedrine + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
- Benzphetamine + Pseudoephedrine Major
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 Phenelzine with Pseudoephedrine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as contraindicated. Phenelzine and Pseudoephedrine 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. Phenelzine is an irreversible MAO inhibitor, and pseudoephedrine releases norepinephrine from stores. This can produce a hypertensive crisis.
How serious is the interaction between Phenelzine and Pseudoephedrine?
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 combine; avoid pseudoephedrine during and for two weeks after phenelzine. Use non-sympathomimetic alternatives.
What other medicines interact with Pseudoephedrine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Pseudoephedrine with, for example, Isocarboxazid, Rasagiline, Selegiline. The full list is on the Pseudoephedrine page.
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