Drug interactions
Pseudoephedrine + Selegiline
Severity: Contraindicated
Pseudoephedrine and Selegiline: 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
Selegiline inhibits MAO-B, and loses selectivity at higher doses or in the transdermal form, which can lead to a severe pressor response with indirect sympathomimetics such as pseudoephedrine. Hypertensive crisis is the main concern.
What this interaction means in plain words
Pseudoephedrine and Selegiline 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.
Pseudoephedrine belongs to Respiratory; Selegiline belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
MAO inhibition potentiates norepinephrine release caused by pseudoephedrine, producing additive pressor effects.
What to do
Avoid combination and use non-pressor alternatives for congestion. Monitor blood pressure and treat hypertension urgently if exposure occurs.
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
- Phenelzine + Pseudoephedrine Contraindicated
- Pseudoephedrine + Rasagiline Contraindicated
- Pseudoephedrine + Selegiline transdermal Contraindicated
- Pseudoephedrine + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
- Benzphetamine + Pseudoephedrine Major
Other interactions of Selegiline
- Amitriptyline + Selegiline Contraindicated
- Amoxapine + Selegiline Contraindicated
- Atomoxetine + Selegiline Contraindicated
- Benzphetamine + Selegiline Contraindicated
- Brimonidine + Selegiline Contraindicated
- Buprenorphine long-acting + Selegiline Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Pseudoephedrine with Selegiline?
MediHelp rates the interaction as contraindicated. Pseudoephedrine and Selegiline 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. Selegiline inhibits MAO-B, and loses selectivity at higher doses or in the transdermal form, which can lead to a severe pressor response with indirect sympathomimetics such as pseudoephedrine. Hypertensive crisis is the main concern.
How serious is the interaction between Pseudoephedrine and Selegiline?
MediHelp rates it contraindicated, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid combination and use non-pressor alternatives for congestion. Monitor blood pressure and treat hypertension urgently if exposure occurs.
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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