Drug interactions
Procarbazine + Pseudoephedrine
Severity: Major
Procarbazine and Pseudoephedrine: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: UK SmPC
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
Procarbazine has weak monoamine oxidase inhibiting activity, so norepinephrine stores and release are enhanced when an indirect sympathomimetic such as pseudoephedrine is given. This can provoke severe hypertension or a hypertensive crisis.
What this interaction means in plain words
Procarbazine and Pseudoephedrine 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.
Procarbazine belongs to Oncology; Pseudoephedrine belongs to Respiratory.
Why it happens
MAO inhibition by procarbazine potentiates the norepinephrine-releasing pressor effect of pseudoephedrine.
What to do
Avoid oral decongestants in patients receiving procarbazine and choose non-pressor symptomatic treatment. If exposure occurs, monitor blood pressure closely and treat hypertension promptly.
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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References
Other interactions of Pseudoephedrine
- Isocarboxazid + Pseudoephedrine Contraindicated
- Phenelzine + Pseudoephedrine Contraindicated
- Pseudoephedrine + Rasagiline Contraindicated
- Pseudoephedrine + Selegiline Contraindicated
- Pseudoephedrine + Selegiline transdermal Contraindicated
- Pseudoephedrine + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
Other interactions of Procarbazine
- Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live + Procarbazine Contraindicated
- Amitriptyline + Procarbazine Contraindicated
- Amoxapine + Procarbazine Contraindicated
- Atomoxetine + Procarbazine Contraindicated
- Bcg vaccine live + Procarbazine Contraindicated
- Brimonidine + Procarbazine Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Procarbazine with Pseudoephedrine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Procarbazine and Pseudoephedrine 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. Procarbazine has weak monoamine oxidase inhibiting activity, so norepinephrine stores and release are enhanced when an indirect sympathomimetic such as pseudoephedrine is given. This can provoke severe hypertension or a hypertensive crisis.
How serious is the interaction between Procarbazine and Pseudoephedrine?
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 oral decongestants in patients receiving procarbazine and choose non-pressor symptomatic treatment. If exposure occurs, monitor blood pressure closely and treat hypertension promptly.
What other medicines interact with Pseudoephedrine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Pseudoephedrine with, for example, Isocarboxazid, Phenelzine, Rasagiline. The full list is on the Pseudoephedrine page.
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