Drug interactions
Desipramine + Epinephrine racemic
Severity: Major
Desipramine and Epinephrine racemic: 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
Tricyclic antidepressants can enhance the pressor and arrhythmogenic effects of epinephrine by blocking neuronal catecholamine reuptake. Both can also affect QT, so severe hypertension and arrhythmias are possible.
What this interaction means in plain words
Desipramine and Epinephrine racemic 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.
Why it happens
Inhibition of norepinephrine reuptake potentiates adrenergic response, with possible additive QT effects.
What to do
Use the lowest effective epinephrine dose and monitor blood pressure and ECG. Limit epinephrine in local anesthetic preparations where practical.
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?
Pro+ members
Unlock the full page
Create an account and start a Pro+ trial to unlock the full management advice for Desipramine and Epinephrine racemic, the additional notes, the evidence detail and the whole-prescription interaction checker.
- Full clinical management advice
- Additional notes
- Evidence detail
- Interaction checker for a whole prescription
Try Pro+ free for 7 days on the web. No card needed.
References
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 Epinephrine racemic?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Desipramine and Epinephrine racemic 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. Tricyclic antidepressants can enhance the pressor and arrhythmogenic effects of epinephrine by blocking neuronal catecholamine reuptake. Both can also affect QT, so severe hypertension and arrhythmias are possible.
How serious is the interaction between Desipramine and Epinephrine racemic?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Use the lowest effective epinephrine dose and monitor blood pressure and ECG. Limit epinephrine in local anesthetic preparations where practical.
What other medicines interact with Desipramine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Desipramine with, for example, Disopyramide, Dofetilide, Ibutilide. The full list is on the Desipramine page.
Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app
Open the complete reference, check multi-drug interactions and use dosing tools in the MediHelp app.
