Drug interactions
Desflurane + Imipramine
Severity: Moderate
Desflurane and Imipramine: 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
Volatile anesthetics such as desflurane can prolong the QT interval and produce hypotension and CNS depression, and imipramine adds to these effects. Tricyclic antidepressants may also increase the risk of arrhythmias and blood pressure instability during anesthesia.
What this interaction means in plain words
Desflurane and Imipramine 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.
Desflurane belongs to Central Nervous System; Imipramine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive CNS depression, QT prolongation and hemodynamic effects.
What to do
Inform the anesthesia team about tricyclic use before surgery and monitor ECG and blood pressure throughout. Correct electrolyte abnormalities and have arrhythmia treatment available.
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 Imipramine
- Dronedarone + Imipramine Contraindicated
- Imipramine + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Imipramine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Imipramine + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Imipramine + Rasagiline Contraindicated
- Imipramine + Safinamide Contraindicated
Other interactions of Desflurane
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Desflurane with Imipramine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Desflurane and Imipramine 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. Volatile anesthetics such as desflurane can prolong the QT interval and produce hypotension and CNS depression, and imipramine adds to these effects. Tricyclic antidepressants may also increase the risk of arrhythmias and blood pressure instability during anesthesia.
How serious is the interaction between Desflurane and Imipramine?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Inform the anesthesia team about tricyclic use before surgery and monitor ECG and blood pressure throughout. Correct electrolyte abnormalities and have arrhythmia treatment available.
What other medicines interact with Imipramine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Imipramine with, for example, Dronedarone, Isocarboxazid, Phenelzine. The full list is on the Imipramine page.
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