Hypertensive Crisis

MAOIs, including tranylcypromine tablets, have been associated with hypertensive crises caused by the ingestion of foods or beverages with a high concentration of tyramine. In addition, hypertensive reactions and crises may occur with concomitant use of other drugs [see Drug Interactions (7.1)]. Patients with hyperthyroidism may be at greater risk of hypertensive crisis. 

Signs, Symptoms, and Complications of Hypertensive Crisis:In some patients a hypertensive crisis constitutes a hypertensive emergency, which requires immediate attention to prevent serious complications or fatal outcome. These emergencies are characterized by severe hypertension (e.g., with a blood pressure of more than 180/120 mm Hg) and evidence of organ dysfunction. Symptoms may include occipital headache (which may radiate frontally), palpitations, neck stiffness or soreness, nausea or vomiting, sweating (sometimes with fever or cold, clammy skin), dilated pupils, photophobia, shortness of breath, or confusion. Either tachycardia or bradycardia may be present and may be associated with constricting chest pain. Seizures may also occur. Intracranial bleeding, sometimes fatal, has been reported in association with the increase in blood pressure. 

Strategies to Reduce the Risk of Hypertensive Crisis:Instruct patients to avoid foods and beverages with high tyramine content while being treated with tranylcypromine tablets and for 2 weeks after stopping tranylcypromine tablets [see Drug Interactions (7.2)]. Careful evaluation of the benefits and risks of tranylcypromine tablets therapy is necessary in patients with: 

  * Hypertension or confirmed or suspected cerebrovascular or cardiovascular disorders that constitute an increased risk for complications from severe hypertension, and
  * A history of headaches that can mask the occurrence of headaches as prodromal of a hypertensive crisis.



In all patients taking tranylcypromine tablets, monitor blood pressure closely to detect evidence of increased blood pressure. Full reliance should not be placed on blood pressure readings. The patient should also be observed for other signs and symptoms of hypertensive crisis.

Treatment of Hypertensive Crisis:Therapy should be interrupted with symptoms that may be prodromal or a manifestation of a hypertensive crisis, such as palpitations or headaches, and patients should be evaluated immediately. Discontinue tranylcypromine tablets, other drugs, foods or beverages suspected to contribute to the hypertensive crisis immediately [see Drug Interactions (7.1, 7.2)]. 

Patients with severe elevations in blood pressure (e.g., more than 180/120 mm Hg) with evidence of organ dysfunction require immediate blood pressure reduction. Fever should be managed by means of external cooling. However, additional measures to control the causes of hyperthermia (psychomotor agitation, increased neuromuscular activity, persistent seizures) may be required.

Hypertension

Clinically significant increases in blood pressure have also been reported after the administration of MAOIs, including tranylcypromine tablets, in patients not ingesting tyramine-rich foods or beverages. Assess blood pressure before prescribing tranylcypromine tablets and closely monitor blood pressure in all patients taking tranylcypromine tablets