Drug interactions
Chlorpromazine + Maprotiline
Severity: Major
Chlorpromazine and Maprotiline: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: Base de donnees publique des medicaments (France)
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 chance of torsades de pointes. Chlorpromazine also inhibits CYP2D6, which may increase maprotiline levels, and both have additive anticholinergic and sedative effects.
What this interaction means in plain words
Chlorpromazine and Maprotiline 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; Maprotiline belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive QT prolongation, plus CYP2D6 inhibition by chlorpromazine raising maprotiline concentrations.
What to do
Avoid the combination if an alternative exists. Otherwise monitor the ECG and electrolytes, and consider a lower maprotiline dose with attention to seizure threshold and anticholinergic effects.
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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References
Other interactions of Maprotiline
- Arsenic trioxide + Maprotiline Contraindicated
- Disopyramide + Maprotiline Contraindicated
- Dofetilide + Maprotiline Contraindicated
- Ibutilide + Maprotiline Contraindicated
- Isocarboxazid + Maprotiline Contraindicated
- Maprotiline + Methylene blue Contraindicated
Other interactions of Chlorpromazine
- Chlorpromazine + Dofetilide Contraindicated
- Chlorpromazine + Dronedarone Contraindicated
- Chlorpromazine + Droperidol Contraindicated
- Chlorpromazine + Ibutilide Contraindicated
- Chlorpromazine + Metrizamide Contraindicated
- Chlorpromazine + Panobinostat Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Chlorpromazine with Maprotiline?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Chlorpromazine and Maprotiline 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 chance of torsades de pointes. Chlorpromazine also inhibits CYP2D6, which may increase maprotiline levels, and both have additive anticholinergic and sedative effects.
How serious is the interaction between Chlorpromazine and Maprotiline?
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 if an alternative exists. Otherwise monitor the ECG and electrolytes, and consider a lower maprotiline dose with attention to seizure threshold and anticholinergic effects.
What other medicines interact with Maprotiline?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Maprotiline with, for example, Arsenic trioxide, Disopyramide, Dofetilide. The full list is on the Maprotiline page.
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