Drug interactions
Disopyramide + Epinephrine
Severity: Major
Disopyramide and Epinephrine: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: Health Canada product monograph
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
Epinephrine can cause hypokalemia and tachyarrhythmias, while disopyramide prolongs the QT interval. Together the risk of ventricular arrhythmia, including torsades de pointes, may increase.
What this interaction means in plain words
Disopyramide and Epinephrine 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; Epinephrine belongs to Endocrine.
Why it happens
Additive proarrhythmic effects from catecholamine stimulation and sodium channel blockade with QT prolongation.
What to do
Avoid non-emergency use together; in emergencies, such as anaphylaxis, give epinephrine as indicated. Monitor ECG and potassium.
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
Other interactions of Epinephrine
- Epinephrine + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Epinephrine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Epinephrine + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
- Acebutolol + Epinephrine Major
- Amitriptyline + Epinephrine Major
- Amoxapine + Epinephrine 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 Epinephrine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Disopyramide and Epinephrine 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. Epinephrine can cause hypokalemia and tachyarrhythmias, while disopyramide prolongs the QT interval. Together the risk of ventricular arrhythmia, including torsades de pointes, may increase.
How serious is the interaction between Disopyramide and Epinephrine?
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 non-emergency use together; in emergencies, such as anaphylaxis, give epinephrine as indicated. Monitor ECG and potassium.
What other medicines interact with Epinephrine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Epinephrine with, for example, Isocarboxazid, Phenelzine, Tranylcypromine. The full list is on the Epinephrine page.
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