Drug Interactions between chlorpheniramine / guaifenesin / phenylephrine and tranylcypromine

During and within two weeks after treatment with tranylcypromine, you must not consume any foods or beverages that are high in tyramine content. Doing so can raise your blood pressure to dangerous levels, a condition known as hypertensive crisis. The condition is potentially fatal and may cause symptoms such as severe headache, confusion, blurred vision, problems with speech or balance, nausea, vomiting, chest pain, convulsions, and sudden numbness or weakness (especially on one side of the body). You should seek immediate medical attention if you have any of these symptoms. Foods that are high in tyramine include, but are not limited to, air dried meats; aged or fermented meats; sausage or salami; pickled herring; anchovies; liver; red wine; beer; aged cheeses, including blue, brick, brie, cheddar, parmesan, romano, and swiss; sour cream; sauerkraut; canned figs; raisins; bananas or avocados (particularly if overripe); soy beans; soy sauce; tofu; miso soup; bean curd; fava beans; or yeast extracts (such as Marmite). You should avoid the use of alcohol while being treated with tranylcypromine, as alcohol may increase some of the nervous system side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, and difficulty concentrating. Also avoid activities requiring mental alertness such as driving or operating hazardous machinery until you know how the medication affects you. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns.

Alcohol can increase the nervous system side effects of chlorpheniramine such as dizziness, drowsiness, and difficulty concentrating. Some people may also experience impairment in thinking and judgment. You should avoid or limit the use of alcohol while being treated with chlorpheniramine. Do not use more than the recommended dose of chlorpheniramine, and avoid activities requiring mental alertness such as driving or operating hazardous machinery until you know how the medication affects you. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns.

Both phenylephrine and caffeine can increase blood pressure and heart rate, and combining them may enhance these effects. Talk to your doctor before using these medications, especially if you have a history of high blood pressure or heart disease. You may need a dose adjustment or more frequent monitoring by your doctor to safely use both medications. Contact your doctor if your condition changes or you experience increased side effects. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

The use of monoamine oxidase inhibitors with alcohol or any other CNS depressants is contraindicated.

The use of nonspecific monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) is contraindicated in patients with carcinoid syndrome. Nonspecific MAOIs inhibit the breakdown of pressor amines, including serotonin, and may exacerbate symptoms of the syndrome.

The use of monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) antidepressants is contraindicated in patients with cerebrovascular or cardiovascular disease, including hypertension and congestive heart failure. Nonspecific MAOIs inhibit the breakdown of pressor amines, the accumulation of which can precipitate hypertensive crises. Intracranial hemorrhage and death have resulted in some cases. MAOI antidepressants are also commonly associated with dose-related orthostatic hypotension, which occurs most frequently in patients with preexisting hypertension but may be minimized with slow, gradual titration. Blood pressure should be monitored closely in all patients who receive MAOI therapy, and patients should be advised to stop taking the medication and seek medical attention immediately if signs and symptoms of a hypertensive reaction occur (e.g., occipital headache which may radiate frontally; palpitation; neck stiffness or soreness; nausea or vomiting; perspiration associated with fever or cold, clammy skin; mydriasis; photophobia; constricting chest pain).

Sympathomimetic agents may cause adverse cardiovascular effects, particularly when used in high dosages and/or in susceptible patients. In cardiac tissues, these agents may produce positive chronotropic and inotropic effects via stimulation of beta- 1 adrenergic receptors. Cardiac output, oxygen consumption, and the work of the heart may be increased. In the peripheral vasculature, vasoconstriction may occur via stimulation of alpha-1 adrenergic receptors. Palpitations, tachycardia, arrhythmia, hypertension, reflex bradycardia, coronary occlusion, cerebral vasculitis, myocardial infarction, cardiac arrest, and death have been reported. Some of these agents, particularly ephedra alkaloids (ephedrine, ma huang, phenylpropanolamine), may also predispose patients to hemorrhagic and ischemic stroke. Therapy with sympathomimetic agents should generally be avoided or administered cautiously in patients with sensitivity to sympathomimetic amines, hyperthyroidism, or underlying cardiovascular or cerebrovascular disorders. These agents should not be used in patients with severe coronary artery disease or severe/uncontrolled hypertension.

The use of most monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) is contraindicated in patients with diagnosed cardiovascular disease, hypertension, or confirmed or suspected cerebrovascular disorders. These drugs can cause hypertensive crises, which sometimes can be fatal, and are characterized by occipital headache, palpitations, neck stiffness or soreness, nausea, sweating, dilated pupils and photophobia. Intracranial bleeding has been reported in some cases in association with the increase in blood pressure.

Normotensive patients receiving therapy with MAOIs need to have monitored their blood pressure frequently to detect any evidence of pressor response and treatment should be discontinued immediately if blood pressure increases or the patient reports symptoms such a headaches or palpitations. Additionally, patients should be advised to avoid foods and drinks with high tyramine content such as cheese, sour cream, beer, liver, bananas and others, as these might trigger an hypertensive crisis.

The use of monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) antidepressants is contraindicated in patients with cerebrovascular or cardiovascular disease, including hypertension and congestive heart failure. Nonspecific MAOIs inhibit the breakdown of pressor amines, the accumulation of which can precipitate hypertensive crises. Intracranial hemorrhage and death have resulted in some cases. MAOI antidepressants are also commonly associated with dose-related orthostatic hypotension, which occurs most frequently in patients with preexisting hypertension but may be minimized with slow, gradual titration. Blood pressure should be monitored closely in all patients who receive MAOI therapy, and patients should be advised to stop taking the medication and seek medical attention immediately if signs and symptoms of a hypertensive reaction occur (e.g., occipital headache which may radiate frontally; palpitation; neck stiffness or soreness; nausea or vomiting; perspiration associated with fever or cold, clammy skin; mydriasis; photophobia; constricting chest pain).

The use of most monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) is contraindicated in patients with diagnosed cardiovascular disease, hypertension, or confirmed or suspected cerebrovascular disorders. These drugs can cause hypertensive crises, which sometimes can be fatal, and are characterized by occipital headache, palpitations, neck stiffness or soreness, nausea, sweating, dilated pupils and photophobia. Intracranial bleeding has been reported in some cases in association with the increase in blood pressure.

Normotensive patients receiving therapy with MAOIs need to have monitored their blood pressure frequently to detect any evidence of pressor response and treatment should be discontinued immediately if blood pressure increases or the patient reports symptoms such a headaches or palpitations. Additionally, patients should be advised to avoid foods and drinks with high tyramine content such as cheese, sour cream, beer, liver, bananas and others, as these might trigger an hypertensive crisis.

Sympathomimetic agents may cause adverse cardiovascular effects, particularly when used in high dosages and/or in susceptible patients. In cardiac tissues, these agents may produce positive chronotropic and inotropic effects via stimulation of beta- 1 adrenergic receptors. Cardiac output, oxygen consumption, and the work of the heart may be increased. In the peripheral vasculature, vasoconstriction may occur via stimulation of alpha-1 adrenergic receptors. Palpitations, tachycardia, arrhythmia, hypertension, reflex bradycardia, coronary occlusion, cerebral vasculitis, myocardial infarction, cardiac arrest, and death have been reported. Some of these agents, particularly ephedra alkaloids (ephedrine, ma huang, phenylpropanolamine), may also predispose patients to hemorrhagic and ischemic stroke. Therapy with sympathomimetic agents should generally be avoided or administered cautiously in patients with sensitivity to sympathomimetic amines, hyperthyroidism, or underlying cardiovascular or cerebrovascular disorders. These agents should not be used in patients with severe coronary artery disease or severe/uncontrolled hypertension.

The use of most monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) is contraindicated in patients with diagnosed cardiovascular disease, hypertension, or confirmed or suspected cerebrovascular disorders. These drugs can cause hypertensive crises, which sometimes can be fatal, and are characterized by occipital headache, palpitations, neck stiffness or soreness, nausea, sweating, dilated pupils and photophobia. Intracranial bleeding has been reported in some cases in association with the increase in blood pressure.

Normotensive patients receiving therapy with MAOIs need to have monitored their blood pressure frequently to detect any evidence of pressor response and treatment should be discontinued immediately if blood pressure increases or the patient reports symptoms such a headaches or palpitations. Additionally, patients should be advised to avoid foods and drinks with high tyramine content such as cheese, sour cream, beer, liver, bananas and others, as these might trigger an hypertensive crisis.

The use of monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) antidepressants is contraindicated in patients with a history of headaches. Nonspecific MAOIs inhibit the breakdown of pressor amines, the accumulation of which can precipitate hypertensive crises. Intracranial hemorrhage and death have resulted in some cases. Since headache may often be the first symptom of a hypertensive reaction during MAOI therapy, use of these agents is not recommended in patients who experience frequent or severe headaches. MAOIs should be withdrawn promptly if headaches develop during treatment.

Sympathomimetic agents may cause adverse cardiovascular effects, particularly when used in high dosages and/or in susceptible patients. In cardiac tissues, these agents may produce positive chronotropic and inotropic effects via stimulation of beta- 1 adrenergic receptors. Cardiac output, oxygen consumption, and the work of the heart may be increased. In the peripheral vasculature, vasoconstriction may occur via stimulation of alpha-1 adrenergic receptors. Palpitations, tachycardia, arrhythmia, hypertension, reflex bradycardia, coronary occlusion, cerebral vasculitis, myocardial infarction, cardiac arrest, and death have been reported. Some of these agents, particularly ephedra alkaloids (ephedrine, ma huang, phenylpropanolamine), may also predispose patients to hemorrhagic and ischemic stroke. Therapy with sympathomimetic agents should generally be avoided or administered cautiously in patients with sensitivity to sympathomimetic amines, hyperthyroidism, or underlying cardiovascular or cerebrovascular disorders. These agents should not be used in patients with severe coronary artery disease or severe/uncontrolled hypertension.

Nonspecific monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) inhibit the breakdown of pressor amines, the accumulation of which can precipitate hypertensive crises. Intracranial hemorrhage and death have resulted in some cases. Therapy with nonspecific MAOIs should be administered cautiously in patients with hyperthyroidism, since these patients have an increased sensitivity to pressor amines. Blood pressure should be monitored closely during therapy, and patients should be advised to stop taking the medication and seek medical attention immediately if signs and symptoms of a hypertensive reaction occur (e.g., occipital headache which may radiate frontally; palpitation; neck stiffness or soreness; nausea or vomiting; perspiration associated with fever or cold, clammy skin; mydriasis; photophobia; constricting chest pain).

The use of monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) antidepressants is contraindicated in patients with cerebrovascular or cardiovascular disease, including hypertension and congestive heart failure. Nonspecific MAOIs inhibit the breakdown of pressor amines, the accumulation of which can precipitate hypertensive crises. Intracranial hemorrhage and death have resulted in some cases. MAOI antidepressants are also commonly associated with dose-related orthostatic hypotension, which occurs most frequently in patients with preexisting hypertension but may be minimized with slow, gradual titration. Blood pressure should be monitored closely in all patients who receive MAOI therapy, and patients should be advised to stop taking the medication and seek medical attention immediately if signs and symptoms of a hypertensive reaction occur (e.g., occipital headache which may radiate frontally; palpitation; neck stiffness or soreness; nausea or vomiting; perspiration associated with fever or cold, clammy skin; mydriasis; photophobia; constricting chest pain).

The use of monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) antidepressants is contraindicated in patients with abnormal liver function tests or a history of liver disease. A low incidence of altered liver function or hepatocellular jaundice has been reported in association with the use of MAOI antidepressants. Periodic monitoring of liver function tests is recommended during prolonged and/or high-dose therapy.

The use of monoamine oxidase inhibitors is contraindicated in patients with a history of liver disease or in those with abnormal liver function tests.

The use of most monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) is contraindicated in patients with pheochromocytoma, as such tumors secrete pressor substances whose metabolism may be inhibited by these drugs.

The use of nonspecific monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) is contraindicated in patients with pheochromocytoma or other tumors of the adrenal medulla, such as some neuroblastomas, that secrete pressor substances. Nonspecific MAOIs inhibit the breakdown of pressor amines, the accumulation of which can precipitate hypertensive crises. Intracranial hemorrhage and death have resulted in some cases.

Sympathomimetic agents may cause adverse cardiovascular effects, particularly when used in high dosages and/or in susceptible patients. In cardiac tissues, these agents may produce positive chronotropic and inotropic effects via stimulation of beta- 1 adrenergic receptors. Cardiac output, oxygen consumption, and the work of the heart may be increased. In the peripheral vasculature, vasoconstriction may occur via stimulation of alpha-1 adrenergic receptors. Palpitations, tachycardia, arrhythmia, hypertension, reflex bradycardia, coronary occlusion, cerebral vasculitis, myocardial infarction, cardiac arrest, and death have been reported. Some of these agents, particularly ephedra alkaloids (ephedrine, ma huang, phenylpropanolamine), may also predispose patients to hemorrhagic and ischemic stroke. Therapy with sympathomimetic agents should generally be avoided or administered cautiously in patients with sensitivity to sympathomimetic amines, hyperthyroidism, or underlying cardiovascular or cerebrovascular disorders. These agents should not be used in patients with severe coronary artery disease or severe/uncontrolled hypertension.

The use of monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) antidepressants is contraindicated in patients with severe renal dysfunction. These drugs may accumulate in plasma when renal function is impaired.

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors may have the capacity to suppress anginal pain that would otherwise serve as a warning of myocardial ischemia. Caution is advised in patients with a history of angina or risk of myocardial infarction.

It has been suggested that the anticholinergic effect of antihistamines may reduce the volume and cause thickening of bronchial secretions, resulting in obstruction of respiratory tract. Some manufacturers and clinicians recommend that therapy with antihistamines be administered cautiously in patients with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Sympathomimetic agents may cause or worsen urinary difficulty in patients with prostate enlargement due to smooth muscle contraction in the bladder neck via stimulation of alpha-1 adrenergic receptors. Therapy with sympathomimetic agents should be administered cautiously in patients with hypertrophy or neoplasm of the prostate.

A major depressive episode can be the initial presentation of bipolar disorder. Patients with depressive symptoms should be adequately screened to determine if they are at risk for bipolar disorder prior to initiating treatment with a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI). This screening should include a detailed psychiatric history, including a family history of suicide, bipolar disorder, and depression. It should be noted that MAOIs antidepressants are not approved for use in treating bipolar depression.

Monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) antidepressants may cause excessive stimulation in hyperactive or schizophrenic patients. Symptoms of psychosis may be aggravated in schizophrenia, particularly that with paranoid symptomatology. Depressed patients, usually those with bipolar disorder, may experience a switch from depression to mania or hypomania. Therapy with MAOI antidepressants should be administered cautiously in patients with hyperactive or hyperexcitable personalities, schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.

Antihistamines may infrequently cause cardiovascular adverse effects related to their anticholinergic and local anesthetic (quinidine-like) activities. Tachycardia, palpitation, ECG changes, arrhythmias, hypotension, and hypertension have been reported. Although these effects are uncommon and usually limited to overdosage situations, the manufacturers and some clinicians recommend that therapy with antihistamines be administered cautiously in patients with cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and/or hyperthyroidism.

It has been suggested that the anticholinergic effect of antihistamines may reduce the volume and cause thickening of bronchial secretions, resulting in obstruction of respiratory tract. Some manufacturers and clinicians recommend that therapy with antihistamines be administered cautiously in patients with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

There is conflicting evidence regarding whether monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) affect glucose metabolism or potentiate oral hypoglycemic agents. Therapy with MAOIs should be administered cautiously in patients with diabetes.

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors can increase the sensitivity to insulin, and have contributed to hypoglycemic episodes in patients with diabetes. Caution should be used when prescribing in diabetic patients.

Sympathomimetic agents may cause increases in blood glucose concentrations. These effects are usually transient and slight but may be significant with dosages higher than those normally recommended. Therapy with sympathomimetic agents should be administered cautiously in patients with diabetes mellitus. Closer monitoring of blood glucose concentrations may be appropriate.

Antihistamines often have anticholinergic activity, to which elderly patients are particularly sensitive. Therapy with antihistamines should be administered cautiously, if at all, in patients with preexisting conditions that are likely to be exacerbated by anticholinergic activity, such as urinary retention or obstruction; angle-closure glaucoma, untreated intraocular hypertension, or uncontrolled primary open-angle glaucoma; and gastrointestinal obstructive disorders. Conventional, first-generation antihistamines such as the ethanolamines (bromodiphenhydramine, carbinoxamine, clemastine, dimenhydrinate, diphenhydramine, doxylamine, phenyltoloxamine) tend to exhibit substantial anticholinergic effects. In contrast, the newer, relatively nonsedating antihistamines (e.g., cetirizine, fexofenadine, loratadine) reportedly have low to minimal anticholinergic activity at normally recommended dosages and may be appropriate alternatives.

Antihistamines often have anticholinergic activity, to which elderly patients are particularly sensitive. Therapy with antihistamines should be administered cautiously, if at all, in patients with preexisting conditions that are likely to be exacerbated by anticholinergic activity, such as urinary retention or obstruction; angle-closure glaucoma, untreated intraocular hypertension, or uncontrolled primary open-angle glaucoma; and gastrointestinal obstructive disorders. Conventional, first-generation antihistamines such as the ethanolamines (bromodiphenhydramine, carbinoxamine, clemastine, dimenhydrinate, diphenhydramine, doxylamine, phenyltoloxamine) tend to exhibit substantial anticholinergic effects. In contrast, the newer, relatively nonsedating antihistamines (e.g., cetirizine, fexofenadine, loratadine) reportedly have low to minimal anticholinergic activity at normally recommended dosages and may be appropriate alternatives.

Sympathomimetic agents can induce transient mydriasis via stimulation of alpha-1 adrenergic receptors. In patients with anatomically narrow angles or narrow-angle glaucoma, pupillary dilation can provoke an acute attack. In patients with other forms of glaucoma, mydriasis may occasionally increase intraocular pressure. Therapy with sympathomimetic agents should be administered cautiously in patients with or predisposed to glaucoma, particularly narrow-angle glaucoma.

Antihistamines may infrequently cause cardiovascular adverse effects related to their anticholinergic and local anesthetic (quinidine-like) activities. Tachycardia, palpitation, ECG changes, arrhythmias, hypotension, and hypertension have been reported. Although these effects are uncommon and usually limited to overdosage situations, the manufacturers and some clinicians recommend that therapy with antihistamines be administered cautiously in patients with cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and/or hyperthyroidism.

Antihistamines may infrequently cause cardiovascular adverse effects related to their anticholinergic and local anesthetic (quinidine-like) activities. Tachycardia, palpitation, ECG changes, arrhythmias, hypotension, and hypertension have been reported. Although these effects are uncommon and usually limited to overdosage situations, the manufacturers and some clinicians recommend that therapy with antihistamines be administered cautiously in patients with cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and/or hyperthyroidism.

Hypotension has been observed during therapy with monoamine oxidase inhibitors. These drugs should be used with caution, especially in patients with tendency towards hypotension or taking other drugs known to cause hypotension.

Limited pharmacokinetic data are available for the older, first-generation antihistamines. Many appear to be primarily metabolized by the liver, and both parent drugs and metabolites are excreted in the urine. Patients with renal and/or liver disease may be at greater risk for adverse effects from antihistamines due to drug and metabolite accumulation. Therapy with antihistamines should be administered cautiously in such patients. Lower initial dosages may be appropriate.

Monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) antidepressants may cause excessive stimulation in hyperactive or schizophrenic patients. Symptoms of psychosis may be aggravated in schizophrenia, particularly that with paranoid symptomatology. Depressed patients, usually those with bipolar disorder, may experience a switch from depression to mania or hypomania. Therapy with MAOI antidepressants should be administered cautiously in patients with hyperactive or hyperexcitable personalities, schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors may have the capacity to suppress anginal pain that would otherwise serve as a warning of myocardial ischemia. Caution is advised in patients with a history of angina or risk of myocardial infarction.

Nonspecific monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) may increase the frequency and severity of signs and symptoms associated with parkinsonian syndrome. Therapy with nonspecific MAOIs should be administered cautiously in patients with this disorder.

Sympathomimetic agents may cause or worsen urinary difficulty in patients with prostate enlargement due to smooth muscle contraction in the bladder neck via stimulation of alpha-1 adrenergic receptors. Therapy with sympathomimetic agents should be administered cautiously in patients with hypertrophy or neoplasm of the prostate.

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors should be used with caution in patients with renal impairment as there is a possibility of cumulative effects in such patients. Dose selection should be cautious, usually starting at the low end of the dosing range.

Limited pharmacokinetic data are available for the older, first-generation antihistamines. Many appear to be primarily metabolized by the liver, and both parent drugs and metabolites are excreted in the urine. Patients with renal and/or liver disease may be at greater risk for adverse effects from antihistamines due to drug and metabolite accumulation. Therapy with antihistamines should be administered cautiously in such patients. Lower initial dosages may be appropriate.

Monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) antidepressants may cause excessive stimulation in hyperactive or schizophrenic patients. Symptoms of psychosis may be aggravated in schizophrenia, particularly that with paranoid symptomatology. Depressed patients, usually those with bipolar disorder, may experience a switch from depression to mania or hypomania. Therapy with MAOI antidepressants should be administered cautiously in patients with hyperactive or hyperexcitable personalities, schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors have shown a variable effect on the convulsive threshold. Caution should be used when treating patients with epilepsy.

Monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) antidepressants may have variable effects on seizure threshold. Decreased seizure frequency as well as increased frequency have been reported. Therapy with MAOI antidepressants should be administered cautiously in patients with a history of seizures.

Antihistamines often have anticholinergic activity, to which elderly patients are particularly sensitive. Therapy with antihistamines should be administered cautiously, if at all, in patients with preexisting conditions that are likely to be exacerbated by anticholinergic activity, such as urinary retention or obstruction; angle-closure glaucoma, untreated intraocular hypertension, or uncontrolled primary open-angle glaucoma; and gastrointestinal obstructive disorders. Conventional, first-generation antihistamines such as the ethanolamines (bromodiphenhydramine, carbinoxamine, clemastine, dimenhydrinate, diphenhydramine, doxylamine, phenyltoloxamine) tend to exhibit substantial anticholinergic effects. In contrast, the newer, relatively nonsedating antihistamines (e.g., cetirizine, fexofenadine, loratadine) reportedly have low to minimal anticholinergic activity at normally recommended dosages and may be appropriate alternatives.