Drug interactions
Desipramine + Phenylephrine
Severity: Moderate
Desipramine and Phenylephrine: 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
Desipramine is a potent norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor and can augment the pressor response to phenylephrine. Hypertension and arrhythmias may occur, particularly with systemic phenylephrine.
What this interaction means in plain words
Desipramine and Phenylephrine 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; Phenylephrine belongs to Respiratory.
Why it happens
Inhibition of norepinephrine reuptake enhances adrenergic stimulation and pressor response.
What to do
Monitor blood pressure and heart rate and start parenteral phenylephrine at a low dose. Avoid oral decongestant use where possible.
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 Phenylephrine
- Isocarboxazid + Phenylephrine Contraindicated
- Phenelzine + Phenylephrine Contraindicated
- Phenylephrine + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
- Bromocriptine + Phenylephrine Major
- Cocaine + Phenylephrine Major
- Dihydroergotamine intranasal + Phenylephrine Major
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?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Desipramine and Phenylephrine 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 is a potent norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor and can augment the pressor response to phenylephrine. Hypertension and arrhythmias may occur, particularly with systemic phenylephrine.
How serious is the interaction between Desipramine and Phenylephrine?
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 blood pressure and heart rate and start parenteral phenylephrine at a low dose. Avoid oral decongestant use where possible.
What other medicines interact with Phenylephrine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Phenylephrine with, for example, Isocarboxazid, Phenelzine, Tranylcypromine. The full list is on the Phenylephrine page.
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