Drug interactions
Desipramine + Lefamulin
Severity: Major
Desipramine and Lefamulin: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: EMA SmPC
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
Lefamulin and desipramine can each prolong the QT interval, so the combination may raise the risk of ventricular arrhythmias including torsades de pointes.
What this interaction means in plain words
Desipramine and Lefamulin 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; Lefamulin belongs to Anti Bacterial.
Why it happens
Additive QT prolongation.
What to do
Prefer an alternative antibacterial agent, or monitor the ECG and correct electrolytes if coadministration is needed.
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 Lefamulin
- Lefamulin + Methadone Contraindicated
- Lefamulin + Pimavanserin Contraindicated
- Lefamulin + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Lefamulin + Quinidine Contraindicated
- Alfuzosin + Lefamulin Major
- Amiodarone + Lefamulin Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Desipramine with Lefamulin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Desipramine and Lefamulin 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. Lefamulin and desipramine can each prolong the QT interval, so the combination may raise the risk of ventricular arrhythmias including torsades de pointes.
How serious is the interaction between Desipramine and Lefamulin?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Prefer an alternative antibacterial agent, or monitor the ECG and correct electrolytes if coadministration is needed.
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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