Drug interactions
Phenylephrine + Tranylcypromine
Severity: Contraindicated
Phenylephrine and Tranylcypromine: contraindicated interaction.
Last updated Sources: US FDA label
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 is an irreversible MAO inhibitor, and sympathomimetics can precipitate a hypertensive crisis. This may cause severe headache, stroke or death.
What this interaction means in plain words
Phenylephrine 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.
Phenylephrine belongs to Respiratory; Tranylcypromine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Inhibition of MAO enhances norepinephrine stores and the pressor response to phenylephrine.
What to do
Do not combine; avoid systemic phenylephrine during and for two weeks after tranylcypromine. Choose 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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References
- Tranylcypromine - FDA drug label (DailyMed) — openFDA / DailyMed
Other interactions of Phenylephrine
- Isocarboxazid + Phenylephrine Contraindicated
- Phenelzine + Phenylephrine Contraindicated
- Bromocriptine + Phenylephrine Major
- Cocaine + Phenylephrine Major
- Dihydroergotamine intranasal + Phenylephrine Major
- Dihydroergotamine + Phenylephrine 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 Phenylephrine with Tranylcypromine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as contraindicated. Phenylephrine 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 is an irreversible MAO inhibitor, and sympathomimetics can precipitate a hypertensive crisis. This may cause severe headache, stroke or death.
How serious is the interaction between Phenylephrine 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 combine; avoid systemic phenylephrine during and for two weeks after tranylcypromine. Choose non-sympathomimetic alternatives.
What other medicines interact with Phenylephrine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Phenylephrine with, for example, Isocarboxazid, Phenelzine, Bromocriptine. The full list is on the Phenylephrine page.
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