Drug interactions
Chlorpromazine + Dosulepin
Severity: Major
Chlorpromazine and Dosulepin: 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 combining them raises the risk of torsades de pointes and other ventricular arrhythmias. Additive anticholinergic, sedative and hypotensive effects may also occur. Chlorpromazine may also inhibit CYP2D6 and raise tricyclic levels.
What this interaction means in plain words
Chlorpromazine and Dosulepin 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.
Chlorpromazine belongs to Central Nervous System; Dosulepin belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive blockade of cardiac repolarizing potassium channels, with possible CYP2D6 inhibition by chlorpromazine raising dosulepin exposure.
What to do
Avoid the combination where possible; if it is needed, obtain a baseline and follow-up ECG and correct potassium and magnesium. Consider an alternative antidepressant with less QT effect.
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 Chlorpromazine
- Chlorpromazine + Dofetilide Contraindicated
- Chlorpromazine + Dronedarone Contraindicated
- Chlorpromazine + Droperidol Contraindicated
- Chlorpromazine + Ibutilide Contraindicated
- Chlorpromazine + Metrizamide Contraindicated
- Chlorpromazine + Panobinostat Contraindicated
Other interactions of Dosulepin
- Dosulepin + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Dosulepin + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Dosulepin + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Dosulepin + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
- Amitriptyline + Dosulepin Major
- Buprenorphine + Dosulepin Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Chlorpromazine with Dosulepin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Chlorpromazine and Dosulepin 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 combining them raises the risk of torsades de pointes and other ventricular arrhythmias. Additive anticholinergic, sedative and hypotensive effects may also occur. Chlorpromazine may also inhibit CYP2D6 and raise tricyclic levels.
How serious is the interaction between Chlorpromazine and Dosulepin?
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 the combination where possible; if it is needed, obtain a baseline and follow-up ECG and correct potassium and magnesium. Consider an alternative antidepressant with less QT effect.
What other medicines interact with Chlorpromazine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Chlorpromazine with, for example, Dofetilide, Dronedarone, Droperidol. The full list is on the Chlorpromazine page.
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