Drug interactions
Aripiprazole + Ibutilide
Severity: Major
Aripiprazole and Ibutilide: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: UK SmPC
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 is a potent QT-prolonging antiarrhythmic with a substantial risk of torsades de pointes. Aripiprazole has low QT liability but could add to the risk in a vulnerable patient.
What this interaction means in plain words
Aripiprazole 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.
Aripiprazole belongs to Central Nervous System; Ibutilide belongs to Cardiovascular.
Why it happens
Additive prolongation of cardiac repolarization, dominated by ibutilide's potassium channel blockade.
What to do
Use continuous ECG monitoring during and after ibutilide administration, and keep potassium and magnesium within normal range. Consider holding aripiprazole around the procedure when clinically feasible.
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?
Pro+ members
Unlock the full page
Create an account and start a Pro+ trial to unlock the full management advice for Aripiprazole and Ibutilide, the additional notes, the evidence detail and the whole-prescription interaction checker.
- Full clinical management advice
- Additional notes
- Evidence detail
- Interaction checker for a whole prescription
Try Pro+ free for 7 days on the web. No card needed.
References
- Abilify 1 mg/mL Oral Solution - SmPC sections 4.3/4.5 (class statement: medicinal products known to cause QT prolongation; "If aripiprazole is administered concomitantly with medicinal products known to cause QT prolongation or electrolyte imbalance, caution should be used.") — electronic medicines compendium (UK SmPC)
Other interactions of Aripiprazole
- Aripiprazole + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Aripiprazole + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Amisulpride + Aripiprazole Major
- Aripiprazole + Arsenic trioxide Major
- Aripiprazole + Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates Major
- Aripiprazole + Carbamazepine Major
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 Aripiprazole with Ibutilide?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Aripiprazole 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 is a potent QT-prolonging antiarrhythmic with a substantial risk of torsades de pointes. Aripiprazole has low QT liability but could add to the risk in a vulnerable patient.
How serious is the interaction between Aripiprazole 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: Use continuous ECG monitoring during and after ibutilide administration, and keep potassium and magnesium within normal range. Consider holding aripiprazole around the procedure when clinically feasible.
What other medicines interact with Aripiprazole?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Aripiprazole with, for example, Pimozide, Thioridazine, Amisulpride. The full list is on the Aripiprazole page.
Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app
Open the complete reference, check multi-drug interactions and use dosing tools in the MediHelp app.
