Drug interactions
Desipramine + Lapatinib
Severity: Major
Desipramine and Lapatinib: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: Health Canada product monograph
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 agents can prolong the QT interval, so combined use may raise the risk of torsades de pointes. The risk is greater with electrolyte disturbances, bradycardia, heart disease or other QT-prolonging drugs.
What this interaction means in plain words
Desipramine and Lapatinib 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; Lapatinib belongs to Oncology.
Why it happens
Additive prolongation of cardiac repolarization (QT interval).
What to do
Obtain a baseline ECG and correct potassium and magnesium before combining, then repeat the ECG during therapy. Consider an alternative antidepressant if QTc becomes significantly prolonged.
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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References
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 Lapatinib
- Dofetilide + Lapatinib Contraindicated
- Ibutilide + Lapatinib Contraindicated
- Lapatinib + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Lapatinib + Saquinavir Contraindicated
- Lapatinib + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Adagrasib + Lapatinib Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Desipramine with Lapatinib?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Desipramine and Lapatinib 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 agents can prolong the QT interval, so combined use may raise the risk of torsades de pointes. The risk is greater with electrolyte disturbances, bradycardia, heart disease or other QT-prolonging drugs.
How serious is the interaction between Desipramine and Lapatinib?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Obtain a baseline ECG and correct potassium and magnesium before combining, then repeat the ECG during therapy. Consider an alternative antidepressant if QTc becomes significantly prolonged.
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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