Drug interactions
Artemether / lumefantrine + Imipramine
Severity: Major
Artemether / lumefantrine and Imipramine: 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
Both drugs can prolong the QT interval, and artemether/lumefantrine may also inhibit CYP2D6, raising imipramine levels. Together these effects increase the risk of arrhythmia and tricyclic toxicity.
What this interaction means in plain words
Artemether / lumefantrine 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.
Why it happens
Additive QT prolongation plus CYP2D6 inhibition reducing imipramine clearance.
What to do
Avoid if possible; otherwise obtain an ECG and correct electrolytes. Monitor for tricyclic toxicity and consider reducing the imipramine dose.
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 Imipramine
- Dronedarone + Imipramine Contraindicated
- Imipramine + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Imipramine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Imipramine + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Imipramine + Rasagiline Contraindicated
- Imipramine + Safinamide Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Artemether / lumefantrine with Imipramine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Artemether / lumefantrine 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 artemether/lumefantrine may also inhibit CYP2D6, raising imipramine levels. Together these effects increase the risk of arrhythmia and tricyclic toxicity.
How serious is the interaction between Artemether / lumefantrine 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; otherwise obtain an ECG and correct electrolytes. Monitor for tricyclic toxicity and consider reducing the imipramine dose.
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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