Drug interactions
Desipramine + Dronedarone
Severity: Major
Desipramine and Dronedarone: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: US FDA label
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 can prolong the QT interval and desipramine can cause conduction delay, raising torsades risk. Dronedarone also inhibits CYP2D6 and may raise desipramine levels.
What this interaction means in plain words
Desipramine and Dronedarone 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.
Desipramine belongs to Central Nervous System; Dronedarone belongs to Cardiovascular.
Why it happens
Additive QTc prolongation plus dronedarone inhibition of CYP2D6 metabolism of desipramine.
What to do
Avoid if possible; otherwise monitor ECG and consider reducing the desipramine dose based on levels or adverse 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 Dronedarone
- Adagrasib + Dronedarone Contraindicated
- Amiodarone + Dronedarone Contraindicated
- Arsenic trioxide + Dronedarone Contraindicated
- Artemether / lumefantrine + Dronedarone Contraindicated
- Atazanavir + Dronedarone Contraindicated
- Azithromycin + Dronedarone Contraindicated
Other interactions of Desipramine
- Desipramine + Disopyramide Contraindicated
- Desipramine + Dofetilide Contraindicated
- Desipramine + Ibutilide Contraindicated
- Desipramine + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Desipramine + Methylene blue Contraindicated
- Desipramine + Pentamidine Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Desipramine with Dronedarone?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Desipramine and Dronedarone 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 can prolong the QT interval and desipramine can cause conduction delay, raising torsades risk. Dronedarone also inhibits CYP2D6 and may raise desipramine levels.
How serious is the interaction between Desipramine and Dronedarone?
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 if possible; otherwise monitor ECG and consider reducing the desipramine dose based on levels or adverse effects.
What other medicines interact with Dronedarone?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Dronedarone with, for example, Adagrasib, Amiodarone, Arsenic trioxide. The full list is on the Dronedarone page.
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