Drug interactions
Amitriptyline + Ibutilide
Severity: Major
Amitriptyline and Ibutilide: 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
Ibutilide markedly prolongs the QT interval and can cause torsades de pointes, and amitriptyline adds to this risk. The combination can cause life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias.
What this interaction means in plain words
Amitriptyline and Ibutilide 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; Ibutilide belongs to Cardiovascular.
Why it happens
Additive prolongation of cardiac repolarization (QT interval).
What to do
Avoid giving ibutilide to patients on amitriptyline unless no alternative exists. If used, monitor ECG continuously and correct electrolytes beforehand.
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 Amitriptyline
- Amitriptyline + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Amitriptyline + Methylene blue Contraindicated
- Amitriptyline + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Amitriptyline + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Amitriptyline + Procarbazine Contraindicated
- Amitriptyline + Safinamide Contraindicated
Other interactions of Ibutilide
- Amiodarone + Ibutilide Contraindicated
- Amisulpride + Ibutilide Contraindicated
- Chlorpromazine + Ibutilide Contraindicated
- Clarithromycin + Ibutilide Contraindicated
- Desipramine + Ibutilide Contraindicated
- Dolasetron + Ibutilide Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Amitriptyline with Ibutilide?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Amitriptyline and Ibutilide 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. Ibutilide markedly prolongs the QT interval and can cause torsades de pointes, and amitriptyline adds to this risk. The combination can cause life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias.
How serious is the interaction between Amitriptyline and Ibutilide?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid giving ibutilide to patients on amitriptyline unless no alternative exists. If used, monitor ECG continuously and correct electrolytes beforehand.
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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