Drug interactions
Desvenlafaxine + Propafenone
Severity: Moderate
Desvenlafaxine and Propafenone: 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
Desvenlafaxine is a weak to moderate CYP2D6 inhibitor at higher doses and may raise propafenone exposure. Higher propafenone levels increase the risk of conduction disturbances, arrhythmia and CNS or beta-blocking effects. The effect is dose related and is generally small at usual desvenlafaxine doses.
What this interaction means in plain words
Desvenlafaxine and Propafenone 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.
Desvenlafaxine belongs to Central Nervous System; Propafenone belongs to Cardiovascular.
Why it happens
Desvenlafaxine inhibits CYP2D6, reducing propafenone metabolism.
What to do
Monitor ECG and heart rate when desvenlafaxine is started or the dose is raised, particularly at higher doses. Lower the propafenone dose if conduction prolongation or adverse effects develop.
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 Propafenone
- Dofetilide + Propafenone Contraindicated
- Dronedarone + Propafenone Contraindicated
- Nilotinib + Propafenone Contraindicated
- Nirmatrelvir / ritonavir + Propafenone Contraindicated
- Nirmatrelvir + Propafenone Contraindicated
- Pimozide + Propafenone Contraindicated
Other interactions of Desvenlafaxine
- Desvenlafaxine + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Desvenlafaxine + Methylene blue Contraindicated
- Desvenlafaxine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Desvenlafaxine + Rasagiline Contraindicated
- Desvenlafaxine + Safinamide Contraindicated
- Desvenlafaxine + Selegiline Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Desvenlafaxine with Propafenone?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Desvenlafaxine and Propafenone 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. Desvenlafaxine is a weak to moderate CYP2D6 inhibitor at higher doses and may raise propafenone exposure. Higher propafenone levels increase the risk of conduction disturbances, arrhythmia and CNS or beta-blocking effects. The effect is dose related and is generally small at usual desvenlafaxine doses.
How serious is the interaction between Desvenlafaxine and Propafenone?
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 ECG and heart rate when desvenlafaxine is started or the dose is raised, particularly at higher doses. Lower the propafenone dose if conduction prolongation or adverse effects develop.
What other medicines interact with Propafenone?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Propafenone with, for example, Dofetilide, Dronedarone, Nilotinib. The full list is on the Propafenone page.
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