Drug interactions
Disopyramide + Donepezil
Severity: Major
Disopyramide and Donepezil: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: UK SmPC
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
Disopyramide is a class Ia antiarrhythmic with a well-established risk of QT prolongation and torsades. Donepezil can add to this effect and may cause bradycardia, further raising the risk of arrhythmia.
What this interaction means in plain words
Disopyramide and Donepezil can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Disopyramide belongs to Cardiovascular; Donepezil belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive prolongation of repolarization, with donepezil-related bradycardia promoting torsades.
What to do
Avoid the combination where possible and choose another antiarrhythmic or anti-dementia strategy. If used together, monitor ECG and electrolytes closely.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
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References
- Apozyl 10 mg Orodispersible Tablets - SmPC sections 4.3/4.5 (class statement: Class IA antiarrhythmics; "Class IA antiarrhythmics (e.g. quinidine)") — electronic medicines compendium (UK SmPC)
Other interactions of Donepezil
- Donepezil + Dronedarone Contraindicated
- Donepezil + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Donepezil + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Donepezil + Vandetanib Contraindicated
- Amiodarone + Donepezil Major
- Amisulpride + Donepezil Major
Other interactions of Disopyramide
- Amisulpride + Disopyramide Contraindicated
- Desipramine + Disopyramide Contraindicated
- Disopyramide + Dronedarone Contraindicated
- Disopyramide + Itraconazole Contraindicated
- Disopyramide + Ketoconazole Contraindicated
- Disopyramide + Maprotiline Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Disopyramide with Donepezil?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Disopyramide and Donepezil can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Disopyramide is a class Ia antiarrhythmic with a well-established risk of QT prolongation and torsades. Donepezil can add to this effect and may cause bradycardia, further raising the risk of arrhythmia.
How serious is the interaction between Disopyramide and Donepezil?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid the combination where possible and choose another antiarrhythmic or anti-dementia strategy. If used together, monitor ECG and electrolytes closely.
What other medicines interact with Donepezil?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Donepezil with, for example, Dronedarone, Pimozide, Thioridazine. The full list is on the Donepezil page.
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