A hypertensive reaction induced by concurrent use of selegiline and dopamine

OBJECTIVE: To describe a hypertensive reaction induced by concurrent use of selegiline and dopamine. CASE SUMMARY: A 75-year-old critically ill white man who was receiving sele giline 5 mg twice daily for Parkinson's disease was initiated on an intrave nous dopamine infusion for decreased urine output and hypotension. Within m inutes of starting the dopamine infusion, the patient's systolic blood pres sure increased from 105 to 228 mm Hg. Similar reactions occurred during two subsequent rechallenges. DISCUSSION: Since monoamine oxidase is involved in the metabolism of catech olamines, selegiline may have affected the metabolism of the dopamine admin istered to the patient. Although selegiline is known to be a monoamine oxid ase inhibitor specific for type B, evidence exists stating that selegiline may not be as specific as previously thought. CONCLUSIONS: Dopamine should be used cautiously if at all, in patients who are chronically receiving selegiline or who have received selegiline within the prior two weeks.