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Triptan and MAOI interaction — GPhC CRA MCQ

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HardDrug InteractionsTriptan and MAOI interactionGPhC CRA

A 44-year-old woman with migraine asks to buy sumatriptan. Her PMR shows propranolol, sertraline and newly prescribed moclobemide started yesterday by a private psychiatrist. What is the most appropriate action?

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Correct answer: ADo not supply sumatriptan and refer to the prescriber because moclobemide is contraindicated with triptans

Moclobemide is a monoamine oxidase A inhibitor, and triptans can have serious serotonergic and vasoconstrictive interaction risks with MAOIs. OTC sumatriptan supply would be inappropriate, and the patient should be referred for medical advice. Switching to another triptan would not solve the class concern. Propranolol is used for prevention, not acute treatment of an attack.

Reference: BNF