Drug interactions
Desipramine + Phenylephrine po
Severity: Moderate
Desipramine and Phenylephrine po: 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
Tricyclic antidepressants can potentiate the pressor response to sympathomimetics, and oral phenylephrine may then cause marked hypertension or arrhythmia. The effect of indirect-acting amines may instead be diminished.
What this interaction means in plain words
Desipramine and Phenylephrine po 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.
Why it happens
Desipramine blocks norepinephrine reuptake, which increases adrenergic receptor stimulation and alters neuronal uptake of sympathomimetics.
What to do
Prefer non-sympathomimetic decongestants or short, low-dose use. Monitor blood pressure and heart rate and stop phenylephrine if palpitations or a pressor response occur.
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
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Desipramine with Phenylephrine po?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Desipramine and Phenylephrine po 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. Tricyclic antidepressants can potentiate the pressor response to sympathomimetics, and oral phenylephrine may then cause marked hypertension or arrhythmia. The effect of indirect-acting amines may instead be diminished.
How serious is the interaction between Desipramine and Phenylephrine po?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Prefer non-sympathomimetic decongestants or short, low-dose use. Monitor blood pressure and heart rate and stop phenylephrine if palpitations or a pressor response occur.
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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