Drug interactions
Desipramine + Isoniazid
Severity: Moderate
Desipramine and Isoniazid: 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
Isoniazid's weak MAO inhibiting activity combined with desipramine may theoretically increase serotonergic and noradrenergic effects. Clinically significant reactions appear uncommon.
What this interaction means in plain words
Desipramine and Isoniazid 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; Isoniazid belongs to Anti Bacterial.
Why it happens
Additive monoaminergic effect from weak MAO inhibition and noradrenaline/serotonin reuptake inhibition.
What to do
Monitor for signs of serotonin toxicity and hypertension, and for tricyclic adverse effects. Stop one agent if toxicity occurs.
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 Isoniazid
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 Isoniazid?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Desipramine and Isoniazid 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. Isoniazid's weak MAO inhibiting activity combined with desipramine may theoretically increase serotonergic and noradrenergic effects. Clinically significant reactions appear uncommon.
How serious is the interaction between Desipramine and Isoniazid?
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 signs of serotonin toxicity and hypertension, and for tricyclic adverse effects. Stop one agent if toxicity occurs.
What other medicines interact with Isoniazid?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Isoniazid with, for example, Bacillus calmette-guerin substrain tice, Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen, Carbamazepine. The full list is on the Isoniazid page.
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