Drug interactions
Desipramine + Nelfinavir
Severity: Moderate
Desipramine and Nelfinavir: 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
Nelfinavir may raise desipramine concentrations, but its CYP2D6 inhibition is weak and the effect is unlikely to be large. Ritonavir-boosted regimens carry a greater concern than nelfinavir alone.
What this interaction means in plain words
Desipramine and Nelfinavir 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; Nelfinavir belongs to Anti Virals.
Why it happens
Possible weak inhibition of CYP2D6-mediated desipramine metabolism.
What to do
Monitor for anticholinergic effects, sedation and ECG changes after starting nelfinavir. Reduce the desipramine dose if toxicity develops.
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 Desipramine
- Desipramine + Disopyramide Contraindicated
- Desipramine + Dofetilide Contraindicated
- Desipramine + Ibutilide Contraindicated
- Desipramine + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Desipramine + Methylene blue Contraindicated
- Desipramine + Pentamidine Contraindicated
Other interactions of Nelfinavir
- Alfuzosin + Nelfinavir Contraindicated
- Avanafil + Nelfinavir Contraindicated
- Dronedarone + Nelfinavir Contraindicated
- Eletriptan + Nelfinavir Contraindicated
- Ergotamine + Nelfinavir Contraindicated
- Flibanserin + Nelfinavir Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Desipramine with Nelfinavir?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Desipramine and Nelfinavir 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. Nelfinavir may raise desipramine concentrations, but its CYP2D6 inhibition is weak and the effect is unlikely to be large. Ritonavir-boosted regimens carry a greater concern than nelfinavir alone.
How serious is the interaction between Desipramine and Nelfinavir?
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 anticholinergic effects, sedation and ECG changes after starting nelfinavir. Reduce the desipramine dose if toxicity develops.
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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