Drug interactions
Belladonna alkaloids + Desipramine
Severity: Moderate
Belladonna alkaloids and Desipramine: 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
Belladonna alkaloids are antimuscarinic, and desipramine has significant anticholinergic activity. Together they can cause additive dry mouth, constipation, urinary retention, blurred vision, tachycardia and confusion, particularly in older patients.
What this interaction means in plain words
Belladonna alkaloids and Desipramine 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
Additive muscarinic receptor blockade.
What to do
Monitor for anticholinergic effects, especially in older patients and those with glaucoma, prostatic hypertrophy or constipation. Reduce doses or choose a less anticholinergic option if symptoms occur.
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 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 Belladonna alkaloids with Desipramine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Belladonna alkaloids and Desipramine 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. Belladonna alkaloids are antimuscarinic, and desipramine has significant anticholinergic activity. Together they can cause additive dry mouth, constipation, urinary retention, blurred vision, tachycardia and confusion, particularly in older patients.
How serious is the interaction between Belladonna alkaloids and Desipramine?
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, especially in older patients and those with glaucoma, prostatic hypertrophy or constipation. Reduce doses or choose a less anticholinergic option if symptoms occur.
What other medicines interact with Desipramine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Desipramine with, for example, Disopyramide, Dofetilide, Ibutilide. The full list is on the Desipramine page.
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