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Drug Interactions between Rauwolfemms and Ritalin

This report displays the potential drug interactions for the following 2 drugs:

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Interactions between your drugs

Moderate

methylphenidate rauwolfia serpentina

Applies to: Ritalin (methylphenidate) and Rauwolfemms (rauwolfia serpentina)

MONITOR: Central nervous system (CNS) stimulants, particularly the amphetamines, may decrease the hypotensive effect of postganglionic adrenergic blocking agents such as guanadrel, guanethidine and rauwolfia alkaloids, which work by depleting catecholamine stores from adrenergic nerve endings. CNS stimulants can have peripheral sympathetic activity, thus they may elevate blood pressure on their own as well as antagonize some of the antiadrenergic effect produced by these hypotensive agents. Amphetamines reportedly also may displace the blocking agent, guanethidine, and inhibit its uptake by adrenergic neurons. Other mechanisms have also been proposed. In addition to diminished hypotensive response, the interaction has also been reported to produce hypotension and ventricular tachycardia in a patient stabilized on guanethidine shortly after initiating treatment with methylphenidate.

MANAGEMENT: Alternatives to postganglionic adrenergic blocking agents should be considered in hypertensive patients treated with CNS stimulants. If the combination is used, blood pressure and heart rate should be monitored.

References

  1. Ober KF, Wang RI "Drug interactions with guanethidine." Clin Pharmacol Ther 14 (1973): 190-5
  2. Sherman GP, Walton CA "Adrenergic transmission and drug interaction." J Am Pharm Assoc 15 (1975): 86-90
  3. Flegin OT, Morgan DH, Oates JA, Shand DG, Turner P "The mechanism of the reversal of the effect of guanethidine by amphetamines in cat and man." Br J Pharmacol 39 (1970): p253
  4. Follenfant MJ, Robson RD "The antagonism of adrenergic neurone blockade by amphetamine and dexamphetamine in the rat and guinea-pig." Br J Pharmacol 38 (1970): 792
  5. Gerkens JF, McCulloch MW, Wilson J "Mechanism of the antagonism between guanethidine and dexamphetamine." Br J Pharmacol 35 (1969): 563-72
  6. Gulati OD, Dave BT, Gokhale SD, Shah KM "Antagonism of adrenergic neuron blockade in hypertensive subjects." Clin Pharmacol Ther 7 (1966): 510-4
  7. Obianwu HO "Some studies on the mechanism by which d-amphetamine antagonizes guanethidine induced adrenergic neurone blockade." Acta Physiol Scand 75 (1969): 102-10
  8. Deshmankar BS, Leewis JA "Ventricular tachycardia associated with the administration of methylphenidate during guanethidine therapy." Can Med Assoc J 97 (1967): 1166-71
View all 8 references

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Drug and food interactions

Moderate

methylphenidate food

Applies to: Ritalin (methylphenidate)

GENERALLY AVOID: Alcohol may exacerbate the adverse central nervous system effects of psychoactive drugs, including methylphenidate.

GENERALLY AVOID: Consumption of alcohol while taking certain sustained-release formulations of methylphenidate may cause rapid release of the drug, resulting in increased systemic levels of methylphenidate. In vitro studies have been conducted using Metadate CD 60 mg and Ritalin LA 40 mg capsules, as well as Concerta 18 mg tablet. At an alcohol concentration of 40%, an increase in the release rate of methylphenidate was observed in the first hour for Metadate CD and Ritalin LA, resulting in 84% and 98% of the methylphenidate being released, respectively. In contrast, there was no increased release of methylphenidate in the first hour for Concerta. These results are considered to be representative of the other available strengths of the corresponding product.

MANAGEMENT: Patients treated with methylphenidate should be advised to avoid alcohol or medications that contain alcohol.

References

  1. "Product Information. Metadate CD (methylphenidate)." Celltech Pharmaceuticals Inc (2022):
  2. "Product Information. Concerta (methylphenidate)." Alza (2002):
  3. "Product Information. Ritalin LA (methylphenidate)." Quality Care Products/Lake Erie Medical (2013):

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Moderate

rauwolfia serpentina food

Applies to: Rauwolfemms (rauwolfia serpentina)

MONITOR: Many psychotherapeutic and CNS-active agents (e.g., anxiolytics, sedatives, hypnotics, antidepressants, antipsychotics, opioids, alcohol, muscle relaxants) exhibit hypotensive effects, especially during initiation of therapy and dose escalation. Coadministration with antihypertensives and other hypotensive agents, in particular vasodilators and alpha-blockers, may result in additive effects on blood pressure and orthostasis.

MANAGEMENT: Caution and close monitoring for development of hypotension is advised during coadministration of these agents. Some authorities recommend avoiding alcohol in patients receiving vasodilating antihypertensive drugs. Patients should be advised to avoid rising abruptly from a sitting or recumbent position and to notify their physician if they experience dizziness, lightheadedness, syncope, orthostasis, or tachycardia.

References

  1. Sternbach H "Fluoxetine-associated potentiation of calcium-channel blockers." J Clin Psychopharmacol 11 (1991): 390-1
  2. Shook TL, Kirshenbaum JM, Hundley RF, Shorey JM, Lamas GA "Ethanol intoxication complicating intravenous nitroglycerin therapy." Ann Intern Med 101 (1984): 498-9
  3. Feder R "Bradycardia and syncope induced by fluoxetine." J Clin Psychiatry 52 (1991): 139
  4. Ellison JM, Milofsky JE, Ely E "Fluoxetine-induced bradycardia and syncope in two patients." J Clin Psychiatry 51 (1990): 385-6
  5. Rodriguez de la Torre B, Dreher J, Malevany I, et al. "Serum levels and cardiovascular effects of tricyclic antidepressants and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors in depressed patients." Ther Drug Monit 23 (2001): 435-40
  6. Cerner Multum, Inc. "Australian Product Information." O 0
  7. Pacher P, Kecskemeti V "Cardiovascular side effects of new antidepressants and antipsychotics: new drugs, old concerns?" Curr Pharm Des 10 (2004): 2463-75
  8. Andrews C, Pinner G "Postural hypotension induced by paroxetine." BMJ 316 (1998): 595
View all 8 references

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Therapeutic duplication warnings

No warnings were found for your selected drugs.

Therapeutic duplication warnings are only returned when drugs within the same group exceed the recommended therapeutic duplication maximum.

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Drug Interaction Classification

These classifications are only a guideline. The relevance of a particular drug interaction to a specific individual is difficult to determine. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting or stopping any medication.
Major Highly clinically significant. Avoid combinations; the risk of the interaction outweighs the benefit.
Moderate Moderately clinically significant. Usually avoid combinations; use it only under special circumstances.
Minor Minimally clinically significant. Minimize risk; assess risk and consider an alternative drug, take steps to circumvent the interaction risk and/or institute a monitoring plan.
Unknown No interaction information available.

Further information

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