Nasal Decongestants and Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors
A proposed warning on products containing oral nasal decongestants specifically cautions against concomitant use of any MAOI A form medication.[10,11] At this time, monoamine oxidase inhibitors are the least recommended antidepressants, but two A form types remain available: phenelzine sulfate (Nardil) and tranylcypromine sulfate (Parnate). A possible consequence of using an MAOI with nasal decongestants is extreme hypertension, requiring emergency care. To treat this effect, a British physician suggests a slow IV injection of 5 mg of phentolamine (or sublingual nifedipine, if hypertension is mild to moderate).[12]
US Pharmacist. 2000;25(2) © 2000 Jobson Publishing
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