Drug interactions
Bupropion + Encainide
Severity: Moderate
Bupropion and Encainide: 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
Encainide is activated and cleared via CYP2D6, and bupropion's strong CYP2D6 inhibition can shift the parent-to-metabolite ratio and alter antiarrhythmic effect. Class IC antiarrhythmics carry proarrhythmic risk, so changes in exposure are clinically relevant.
What this interaction means in plain words
Bupropion and Encainide 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
Bupropion inhibits CYP2D6, altering encainide metabolism to its active metabolites.
What to do
Monitor ECG (QRS and PR intervals) and arrhythmia control when combining. Adjust the encainide dose or consider an alternative antiarrhythmic.
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 Bupropion
- Bupropion + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Bupropion + Linezolid Contraindicated
- Bupropion + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Bupropion + Rasagiline Contraindicated
- Bupropion + Selegiline Contraindicated
- Bupropion + Selegiline transdermal Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Bupropion with Encainide?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Bupropion and Encainide 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. Encainide is activated and cleared via CYP2D6, and bupropion's strong CYP2D6 inhibition can shift the parent-to-metabolite ratio and alter antiarrhythmic effect. Class IC antiarrhythmics carry proarrhythmic risk, so changes in exposure are clinically relevant.
How serious is the interaction between Bupropion and Encainide?
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 ECG (QRS and PR intervals) and arrhythmia control when combining. Adjust the encainide dose or consider an alternative antiarrhythmic.
What other medicines interact with Bupropion?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Bupropion with, for example, Isocarboxazid, Linezolid, Phenelzine. The full list is on the Bupropion page.
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