Drug interactions
Desipramine + Imatinib
Severity: Moderate
Desipramine and Imatinib: 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
Imatinib inhibits CYP2D6, the main enzyme clearing desipramine, so desipramine levels can rise and cause anticholinergic, sedative and cardiac toxicity. Desipramine may in turn modestly affect imatinib exposure, but the clinical importance of that direction is less clear.
What this interaction means in plain words
Desipramine and Imatinib 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; Imatinib belongs to Oncology.
Why it happens
Imatinib inhibits CYP2D6-mediated metabolism of desipramine.
What to do
Monitor for tricyclic toxicity and consider a lower desipramine dose, using plasma concentrations and an ECG if toxicity is suspected. Review the dose again when imatinib is started or stopped.
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 Desipramine
- Desipramine + Disopyramide Contraindicated
- Desipramine + Dofetilide Contraindicated
- Desipramine + Ibutilide Contraindicated
- Desipramine + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Desipramine + Methylene blue Contraindicated
- Desipramine + Pentamidine Contraindicated
Other interactions of Imatinib
- Imatinib + Lomitapide Contraindicated
- Imatinib + Lonafarnib Contraindicated
- Amobarbital + Imatinib Major
- Apalutamide + Imatinib Major
- Avapritinib + Imatinib Major
- Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen + Imatinib Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Desipramine with Imatinib?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Desipramine and Imatinib 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. Imatinib inhibits CYP2D6, the main enzyme clearing desipramine, so desipramine levels can rise and cause anticholinergic, sedative and cardiac toxicity. Desipramine may in turn modestly affect imatinib exposure, but the clinical importance of that direction is less clear.
How serious is the interaction between Desipramine and Imatinib?
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 for tricyclic toxicity and consider a lower desipramine dose, using plasma concentrations and an ECG if toxicity is suspected. Review the dose again when imatinib is started or stopped.
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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