Drug interactions
Desipramine + Sulfamethoxazole
Severity: Minor
Desipramine and Sulfamethoxazole: minor 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
Sulfamethoxazole (usually given with trimethoprim) has been linked to QT prolongation in rare reports, and desipramine can prolong QT. The combined risk is generally small but may matter in patients with other arrhythmic risk factors.
What this interaction means in plain words
Desipramine and Sulfamethoxazole have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Why it happens
Possible additive effects on cardiac repolarisation; the contribution of sulfamethoxazole is weakly supported.
What to do
No routine change is needed. In patients with existing QT risk factors, check an ECG and electrolytes if the combination is used.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there anything I should notice while taking both?
- Do I need to tell my doctor at the next visit?
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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 Sulfamethoxazole?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Desipramine and Sulfamethoxazole have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Sulfamethoxazole (usually given with trimethoprim) has been linked to QT prolongation in rare reports, and desipramine can prolong QT. The combined risk is generally small but may matter in patients with other arrhythmic risk factors.
How serious is the interaction between Desipramine and Sulfamethoxazole?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: No routine change is needed. In patients with existing QT risk factors, check an ECG and electrolytes if the combination is used.
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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