Drug interactions
Atracurium + Desipramine
Severity: Minor
Atracurium and Desipramine: minor 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
Tricyclic antidepressants have anticholinergic and membrane-stabilizing effects, and rare reports suggest altered responses to neuromuscular blockers. Desipramine may also contribute to arrhythmia risk during anesthesia. The interaction with atracurium is poorly documented.
What this interaction means in plain words
Atracurium and Desipramine have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Atracurium belongs to Musculoskeletal; Desipramine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Mechanism is not established; possible effects on neuromuscular transmission and cardiac excitability.
What to do
Use neuromuscular monitoring and ECG monitoring during anesthesia, and inform the anesthesiologist about tricyclic use.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there anything I should notice while taking both?
- Do I need to tell my doctor at the next visit?
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Other interactions of Atracurium
Other interactions of Desipramine
- Desipramine + Disopyramide Contraindicated
- Desipramine + Dofetilide Contraindicated
- Desipramine + Ibutilide Contraindicated
- Desipramine + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Desipramine + Methylene blue Contraindicated
- Desipramine + Pentamidine Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Atracurium with Desipramine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Atracurium and Desipramine have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Tricyclic antidepressants have anticholinergic and membrane-stabilizing effects, and rare reports suggest altered responses to neuromuscular blockers. Desipramine may also contribute to arrhythmia risk during anesthesia. The interaction with atracurium is poorly documented.
How serious is the interaction between Atracurium and Desipramine?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Use neuromuscular monitoring and ECG monitoring during anesthesia, and inform the anesthesiologist about tricyclic use.
What other medicines interact with Atracurium?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Atracurium with, for example, Amikacin, Bacitracin-neomycin-polymyxin, Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen. The full list is on the Atracurium page.
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