Drug interactions
Desipramine + Iloperidone
Severity: Major
Desipramine and Iloperidone: major 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 QTc interval, so combined use raises the risk of torsades de pointes, especially with electrolyte disturbance or heart disease. Desipramine is also a CYP2D6 substrate and iloperidone is metabolised by CYP2D6, and additive sedation and orthostatic hypotension can occur.
What this interaction means in plain words
Desipramine and Iloperidone 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; Iloperidone belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive QT prolongation and additive CNS depression and hypotensive effects.
What to do
Avoid the combination if possible. If it is needed, obtain a baseline ECG, correct potassium and magnesium, and monitor the QTc and for orthostasis.
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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Other interactions of Desipramine
- Desipramine + Disopyramide Contraindicated
- Desipramine + Dofetilide Contraindicated
- Desipramine + Ibutilide Contraindicated
- Desipramine + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Desipramine + Methylene blue Contraindicated
- Desipramine + Pentamidine Contraindicated
Other interactions of Iloperidone
- Iloperidone + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Alfuzosin + Iloperidone Major
- Amiodarone + Iloperidone Major
- Amisulpride + Iloperidone Major
- Amitriptyline + Iloperidone Major
- Anagrelide + Iloperidone Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Desipramine with Iloperidone?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Desipramine and Iloperidone 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 drugs can prolong the QTc interval, so combined use raises the risk of torsades de pointes, especially with electrolyte disturbance or heart disease. Desipramine is also a CYP2D6 substrate and iloperidone is metabolised by CYP2D6, and additive sedation and orthostatic hypotension can occur.
How serious is the interaction between Desipramine and Iloperidone?
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 the combination if possible. If it is needed, obtain a baseline ECG, correct potassium and magnesium, and monitor the QTc and for orthostasis.
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.
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