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Drug interactions

Desipramine + Trimethoprim

Severity: Minor

Desipramine and Trimethoprim: 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

Trimethoprim has been associated with QT prolongation in rare reports, and desipramine can prolong QT. The combined risk is modest but may be relevant in patients with other proarrhythmic factors, and trimethoprim can also cause hyperkalaemia.

What this interaction means in plain words

Desipramine and Trimethoprim have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.

Desipramine belongs to Central Nervous System; Trimethoprim belongs to Anti Bacterial.

Evidence level: Low

Why it happens

Possible additive effects on cardiac repolarisation; evidence for trimethoprim's contribution is limited.

What to do

No routine adjustment is needed. In high-risk patients, check an ECG and potassium and correct electrolyte disturbances.

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?

Bring a full list of your medicines, including over-the-counter products, supplements and herbal remedies, to every pharmacy visit.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I take Desipramine with Trimethoprim?

MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Desipramine and Trimethoprim have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Trimethoprim has been associated with QT prolongation in rare reports, and desipramine can prolong QT. The combined risk is modest but may be relevant in patients with other proarrhythmic factors, and trimethoprim can also cause hyperkalaemia.

How serious is the interaction between Desipramine and Trimethoprim?

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 adjustment is needed. In high-risk patients, check an ECG and potassium and correct electrolyte disturbances.

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.

Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app

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