Drug interactions
Arformoterol + Desipramine
Severity: Major
Arformoterol and Desipramine: 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 may potentiate the cardiovascular effects of long-acting beta agonists such as arformoterol, including QT prolongation, tachycardia and arrhythmia. Labeling advises extra caution with this combination.
What this interaction means in plain words
Arformoterol and Desipramine 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.
Arformoterol belongs to Respiratory; Desipramine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive adrenergic stimulation and QT prolongation.
What to do
Monitor ECG, heart rate and blood pressure, and consider an alternative bronchodilator in patients with cardiac risk. Correct potassium abnormalities.
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 Desipramine
- Desipramine + Disopyramide Contraindicated
- Desipramine + Dofetilide Contraindicated
- Desipramine + Ibutilide Contraindicated
- Desipramine + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Desipramine + Methylene blue Contraindicated
- Desipramine + Pentamidine Contraindicated
Other interactions of Arformoterol
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Arformoterol with Desipramine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Arformoterol and Desipramine 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 may potentiate the cardiovascular effects of long-acting beta agonists such as arformoterol, including QT prolongation, tachycardia and arrhythmia. Labeling advises extra caution with this combination.
How serious is the interaction between Arformoterol and Desipramine?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor ECG, heart rate and blood pressure, and consider an alternative bronchodilator in patients with cardiac risk. Correct potassium abnormalities.
What other medicines interact with Desipramine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Desipramine with, for example, Disopyramide, Dofetilide, Ibutilide. The full list is on the Desipramine page.
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