Drug interactions
Clomipramine + Efavirenz
Severity: Moderate
Clomipramine and Efavirenz: 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
Both drugs can prolong the QT interval, so combined use may increase the risk of torsades de pointes, especially with electrolyte disturbances or heart disease. Efavirenz may also alter tricyclic levels through effects on CYP enzymes.
What this interaction means in plain words
Clomipramine and Efavirenz 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.
Clomipramine belongs to Central Nervous System; Efavirenz belongs to Anti Virals.
Why it happens
Additive QT prolongation, with possible enzyme-mediated changes in clomipramine exposure.
What to do
Obtain a baseline ECG and monitor the QTc, and correct potassium and magnesium abnormalities. Consider an alternative if the QTc becomes markedly prolonged.
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 Efavirenz
- Cobimetinib + Efavirenz Contraindicated
- Dienogest / estradiol valerate + Efavirenz Contraindicated
- Dihydroergotamine intranasal + Efavirenz Contraindicated
- Dihydroergotamine + Efavirenz Contraindicated
- Doravirine + Efavirenz Contraindicated
- Efavirenz + Elbasvir / grazoprevir Contraindicated
Other interactions of Clomipramine
- Arsenic trioxide + Clomipramine Contraindicated
- Clomipramine + Dofetilide Contraindicated
- Clomipramine + Droperidol Contraindicated
- Clomipramine + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Clomipramine + Methylene blue Contraindicated
- Clomipramine + Pentamidine Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Clomipramine with Efavirenz?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Clomipramine and Efavirenz 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. Both drugs can prolong the QT interval, so combined use may increase the risk of torsades de pointes, especially with electrolyte disturbances or heart disease. Efavirenz may also alter tricyclic levels through effects on CYP enzymes.
How serious is the interaction between Clomipramine and Efavirenz?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Obtain a baseline ECG and monitor the QTc, and correct potassium and magnesium abnormalities. Consider an alternative if the QTc becomes markedly prolonged.
What other medicines interact with Efavirenz?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Efavirenz with, for example, Cobimetinib, Dienogest / estradiol valerate, Dihydroergotamine intranasal. The full list is on the Efavirenz page.
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