Drug interactions
Arsenic trioxide + Imipramine
Severity: Major
Arsenic trioxide and Imipramine: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: Health Canada product monograph
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
Both drugs can prolong the QT interval, and arsenic trioxide carries a boxed warning for torsades de pointes. Combined use raises the risk of life-threatening ventricular arrhythmia.
What this interaction means in plain words
Arsenic trioxide and Imipramine 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.
Arsenic trioxide belongs to Oncology; Imipramine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive QT prolongation through cardiac repolarization effects.
What to do
Avoid if possible and choose a non-QT-prolonging antidepressant. If unavoidable, monitor ECG and keep potassium and magnesium within normal range.
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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References
Other interactions of Imipramine
- Dronedarone + Imipramine Contraindicated
- Imipramine + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Imipramine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Imipramine + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Imipramine + Rasagiline Contraindicated
- Imipramine + Safinamide Contraindicated
Other interactions of Arsenic trioxide
- Amiodarone + Arsenic trioxide Contraindicated
- Amisulpride + Arsenic trioxide Contraindicated
- Arsenic trioxide + Clomipramine Contraindicated
- Arsenic trioxide + Dronedarone Contraindicated
- Arsenic trioxide + Fluphenazine Contraindicated
- Arsenic trioxide + Gemifloxacin Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Arsenic trioxide with Imipramine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Arsenic trioxide and Imipramine 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. Both drugs can prolong the QT interval, and arsenic trioxide carries a boxed warning for torsades de pointes. Combined use raises the risk of life-threatening ventricular arrhythmia.
How serious is the interaction between Arsenic trioxide and Imipramine?
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 if possible and choose a non-QT-prolonging antidepressant. If unavoidable, monitor ECG and keep potassium and magnesium within normal range.
What other medicines interact with Imipramine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Imipramine with, for example, Dronedarone, Isocarboxazid, Phenelzine. The full list is on the Imipramine page.
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