Drug interactions
Phenelzine + Xylometazoline
Severity: Major
Phenelzine and Xylometazoline: 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
Phenelzine is an irreversible non-selective MAO inhibitor and may potentiate the pressor effect of absorbed xylometazoline. Xylometazoline labeling contraindicates or advises against use with MAOIs because of the risk of hypertensive crisis.
What this interaction means in plain words
Phenelzine and Xylometazoline 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.
Phenelzine belongs to Central Nervous System; Xylometazoline belongs to Respiratory.
Why it happens
MAO inhibition potentiates systemic pressor effects of the alpha-adrenergic agonist.
What to do
Avoid xylometazoline during and for 14 days after MAOI therapy; use saline irrigation instead. Monitor blood pressure if exposure occurs.
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 Xylometazoline
- Selegiline + Xylometazoline Contraindicated
- Ergotamine + Xylometazoline Major
- Isocarboxazid + Xylometazoline Major
- Tranylcypromine + Xylometazoline Major
- Amitriptyline + Xylometazoline Moderate
- Amoxapine + Xylometazoline Moderate
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 Xylometazoline?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Phenelzine and Xylometazoline 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. Phenelzine is an irreversible non-selective MAO inhibitor and may potentiate the pressor effect of absorbed xylometazoline. Xylometazoline labeling contraindicates or advises against use with MAOIs because of the risk of hypertensive crisis.
How serious is the interaction between Phenelzine and Xylometazoline?
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 xylometazoline during and for 14 days after MAOI therapy; use saline irrigation instead. Monitor blood pressure if exposure occurs.
What other medicines interact with Xylometazoline?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Xylometazoline with, for example, Selegiline, Ergotamine, Isocarboxazid. The full list is on the Xylometazoline page.
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