Drug interactions
Asenapine + Lofepramine
Severity: Moderate
Asenapine and Lofepramine: moderate 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
Asenapine is a weak CYP2D6 inhibitor and lofepramine, a tricyclic prodrug of desipramine, is a CYP2D6 substrate, so levels of the active tricyclic may rise. Both drugs can also prolong QT and cause hypotension, adding to the concern.
What this interaction means in plain words
Asenapine and Lofepramine can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Why it happens
Weak CYP2D6 inhibition by asenapine reducing tricyclic metabolism, plus additive QT and hypotensive effects.
What to do
Monitor for anticholinergic effects, sedation, hypotension and arrhythmia, and consider an ECG if doses are high or other risks exist. Reduce the lofepramine dose if adverse effects emerge.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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Other interactions of Asenapine
- Asenapine + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Asenapine + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Asenapine + Vandetanib Contraindicated
- Adagrasib + Asenapine Major
- Alfentanil + Asenapine Major
- Alfuzosin + Asenapine Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Asenapine with Lofepramine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Asenapine and Lofepramine can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Asenapine is a weak CYP2D6 inhibitor and lofepramine, a tricyclic prodrug of desipramine, is a CYP2D6 substrate, so levels of the active tricyclic may rise. Both drugs can also prolong QT and cause hypotension, adding to the concern.
How serious is the interaction between Asenapine and Lofepramine?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor for anticholinergic effects, sedation, hypotension and arrhythmia, and consider an ECG if doses are high or other risks exist. Reduce the lofepramine dose if adverse effects emerge.
What other medicines interact with Asenapine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Asenapine with, for example, Pimozide, Thioridazine, Vandetanib. The full list is on the Asenapine page.
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