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Drug interactions

Desipramine + Mifepristone

Severity: Major

Desipramine and Mifepristone: 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

Mifepristone can prolong the QT interval, and desipramine also has QT-prolonging and proarrhythmic potential. In addition, mifepristone inhibits CYP2D6 and may raise desipramine concentrations, increasing the risk of toxicity and arrhythmia.

What this interaction means in plain words

Desipramine and Mifepristone 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; Mifepristone belongs to Endocrine.

Evidence level: Moderate

Why it happens

Additive QT prolongation plus CYP2D6 inhibition by mifepristone reducing desipramine clearance.

What to do

Avoid the combination if possible. If needed, use the lowest desipramine dose, monitor ECG and desipramine levels, and correct electrolyte abnormalities.

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?

Bring a full list of your medicines, including over-the-counter products, supplements and herbal remedies, to every pharmacy visit.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I take Desipramine with Mifepristone?

MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Desipramine and Mifepristone 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. Mifepristone can prolong the QT interval, and desipramine also has QT-prolonging and proarrhythmic potential. In addition, mifepristone inhibits CYP2D6 and may raise desipramine concentrations, increasing the risk of toxicity and arrhythmia.

How serious is the interaction between Desipramine and Mifepristone?

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 the combination if possible. If needed, use the lowest desipramine dose, monitor ECG and desipramine levels, and correct electrolyte abnormalities.

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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