Drug interactions
Aripiprazole + Procainamide
Severity: Major
Aripiprazole and Procainamide: 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
Procainamide prolongs cardiac repolarization and can cause torsades de pointes. Aripiprazole has low QT liability but may add to the risk.
What this interaction means in plain words
Aripiprazole and Procainamide 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.
Why it happens
Additive prolongation of cardiac repolarization, mainly from procainamide's potassium and sodium channel blockade.
What to do
Monitor ECG and QTc, and correct potassium and magnesium. Consider an alternative antiarrhythmic or antipsychotic 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?
Pro+ members
Unlock the full page
Create an account and start a Pro+ trial to unlock the full management advice for Aripiprazole and Procainamide, 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
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Aripiprazole with Procainamide?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Aripiprazole and Procainamide 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. Procainamide prolongs cardiac repolarization and can cause torsades de pointes. Aripiprazole has low QT liability but may add to the risk.
How serious is the interaction between Aripiprazole and Procainamide?
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 and QTc, and correct potassium and magnesium. Consider an alternative antiarrhythmic or antipsychotic if QTc becomes markedly prolonged.
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.
