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Drug interactions

Amitriptyline + Bedaquiline

Severity: Major

Amitriptyline and Bedaquiline: 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

Both drugs can prolong the QT interval, so using them together raises the chance of clinically significant QTc prolongation and torsades de pointes. The risk is greater with electrolyte disturbances, cardiac disease or other QT-prolonging drugs.

What this interaction means in plain words

Amitriptyline and Bedaquiline 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.

Amitriptyline belongs to Central Nervous System; Bedaquiline belongs to Anti Bacterial.

Evidence level: Moderate

Why it happens

Additive pharmacodynamic prolongation of cardiac repolarization through blockade of cardiac potassium channels.

What to do

Obtain a baseline ECG and repeat it periodically during co-treatment, and correct potassium, magnesium and calcium abnormalities. Stop or replace amitriptyline if QTc becomes markedly prolonged.

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?

Bring a full list of your medicines, including over-the-counter products, supplements and herbal remedies, to every pharmacy visit.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I take Amitriptyline with Bedaquiline?

MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Amitriptyline and Bedaquiline 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. Both drugs can prolong the QT interval, so using them together raises the chance of clinically significant QTc prolongation and torsades de pointes. The risk is greater with electrolyte disturbances, cardiac disease or other QT-prolonging drugs.

How serious is the interaction between Amitriptyline and Bedaquiline?

MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Obtain a baseline ECG and repeat it periodically during co-treatment, and correct potassium, magnesium and calcium abnormalities. Stop or replace amitriptyline if QTc becomes markedly prolonged.

What other medicines interact with Amitriptyline?

MediHelp also lists interactions of Amitriptyline with, for example, Isocarboxazid, Methylene blue, Phenelzine. The full list is on the Amitriptyline page.

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