Drug interactions
Desipramine + Lumefantrine
Severity: Major
Desipramine and Lumefantrine: 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
Lumefantrine can prolong the QT interval and may inhibit CYP2D6, thereby raising desipramine concentrations. Together this increases the risk of arrhythmia including torsades de pointes.
What this interaction means in plain words
Desipramine and Lumefantrine 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.
Why it happens
Additive QT prolongation plus CYP2D6 inhibition that reduces desipramine clearance.
What to do
Avoid combination where possible, or obtain a baseline ECG, correct electrolytes and monitor for desipramine toxicity.
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
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Desipramine with Lumefantrine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Desipramine and Lumefantrine 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. Lumefantrine can prolong the QT interval and may inhibit CYP2D6, thereby raising desipramine concentrations. Together this increases the risk of arrhythmia including torsades de pointes.
How serious is the interaction between Desipramine and Lumefantrine?
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 combination where possible, or obtain a baseline ECG, correct electrolytes and monitor for desipramine toxicity.
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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