Drug interactions
Desipramine + Norepinephrine
Severity: Major
Desipramine and Norepinephrine: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: US FDA label
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
Tricyclic antidepressants can markedly enhance the pressor response to intravenous norepinephrine, leading to severe hypertension and arrhythmia. This matters in critically ill patients receiving vasopressors.
What this interaction means in plain words
Desipramine and Norepinephrine 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
Blockade of neuronal norepinephrine reuptake increases exposure of adrenergic receptors to norepinephrine.
What to do
Start norepinephrine at a low dose with careful titration and continuous blood pressure and ECG monitoring.
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
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Desipramine with Norepinephrine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Desipramine and Norepinephrine 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. Tricyclic antidepressants can markedly enhance the pressor response to intravenous norepinephrine, leading to severe hypertension and arrhythmia. This matters in critically ill patients receiving vasopressors.
How serious is the interaction between Desipramine and Norepinephrine?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Start norepinephrine at a low dose with careful titration and continuous blood pressure and ECG monitoring.
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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