Drug interactions
Desipramine + Efavirenz
Severity: Moderate
Desipramine 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 concurrent use may increase the risk of ventricular arrhythmia. Efavirenz may also alter desipramine levels through CYP2D6 or other pathways.
What this interaction means in plain words
Desipramine 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.
Desipramine belongs to Central Nervous System; Efavirenz belongs to Anti Virals.
Why it happens
Additive QT prolongation, with possible pharmacokinetic changes in desipramine exposure.
What to do
Monitor the ECG and electrolytes, and watch for tricyclic toxicity or loss of effect. Adjust the desipramine dose guided by response or plasma levels.
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 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 Efavirenz?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Desipramine 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 concurrent use may increase the risk of ventricular arrhythmia. Efavirenz may also alter desipramine levels through CYP2D6 or other pathways.
How serious is the interaction between Desipramine 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: Monitor the ECG and electrolytes, and watch for tricyclic toxicity or loss of effect. Adjust the desipramine dose guided by response or plasma levels.
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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