Drug interactions
Amitriptyline + Isoflurane
Severity: Moderate
Amitriptyline and Isoflurane: moderate 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
Isoflurane can prolong the QT interval and amitriptyline may add to this. Tricyclics can also increase the risk of arrhythmias and hypotension during volatile anesthesia.
What this interaction means in plain words
Amitriptyline and Isoflurane can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Amitriptyline belongs to Central Nervous System; Isoflurane belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive effects on cardiac repolarization and conduction, plus tricyclic sensitization to catecholamines.
What to do
Inform the anesthesia team about tricyclic therapy and obtain a preoperative ECG in high-risk patients. Monitor ECG and blood pressure intraoperatively and avoid sympathomimetics where possible.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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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 Isoflurane
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Amitriptyline with Isoflurane?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Amitriptyline and Isoflurane can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Isoflurane can prolong the QT interval and amitriptyline may add to this. Tricyclics can also increase the risk of arrhythmias and hypotension during volatile anesthesia.
How serious is the interaction between Amitriptyline and Isoflurane?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Inform the anesthesia team about tricyclic therapy and obtain a preoperative ECG in high-risk patients. Monitor ECG and blood pressure intraoperatively and avoid sympathomimetics where possible.
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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