Drug interactions
Amiodarone + Imipramine
Severity: Major
Amiodarone and Imipramine: major interaction.
Last updated
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Tricyclic antidepressants like imipramine slow cardiac conduction and can prolong QT, and amiodarone has similar effects. Together they raise the risk of conduction abnormalities and torsades de pointes.
What this interaction means in plain words
Amiodarone and Imipramine can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Amiodarone belongs to Cardiovascular; Imipramine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive QT prolongation and conduction slowing; amiodarone may also raise tricyclic levels via CYP inhibition.
What to do
Prefer a non-tricyclic antidepressant. If combined, obtain a baseline ECG, monitor QTc and consider tricyclic levels or dose reduction.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
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Other interactions of Amiodarone
- Amiodarone + Amisulpride Contraindicated
- Amiodarone + Arsenic trioxide Contraindicated
- Amiodarone + Dofetilide Contraindicated
- Amiodarone + Dronedarone Contraindicated
- Amiodarone + Droperidol Contraindicated
- Amiodarone + Eliglustat Contraindicated
Other interactions of Imipramine
- Dronedarone + Imipramine Contraindicated
- Imipramine + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Imipramine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Imipramine + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Imipramine + Rasagiline Contraindicated
- Imipramine + Safinamide Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Amiodarone with Imipramine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Amiodarone and Imipramine can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Tricyclic antidepressants like imipramine slow cardiac conduction and can prolong QT, and amiodarone has similar effects. Together they raise the risk of conduction abnormalities and torsades de pointes.
How serious is the interaction between Amiodarone and Imipramine?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Prefer a non-tricyclic antidepressant. If combined, obtain a baseline ECG, monitor QTc and consider tricyclic levels or dose reduction.
What other medicines interact with Amiodarone?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Amiodarone with, for example, Amisulpride, Arsenic trioxide, Dofetilide. The full list is on the Amiodarone page.
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