Drug interactions
Disopyramide + Lithium
Severity: Major
Disopyramide and Lithium: 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 marked QT-prolonging and proarrhythmic potential. Lithium can add to repolarization effects and conduction disturbance, especially with sinus node dysfunction.
What this interaction means in plain words
Disopyramide and Lithium 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; Lithium belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive pharmacodynamic QT prolongation and conduction effects.
What to do
Avoid the combination where an alternative exists. If it is unavoidable, monitor the ECG continuously or frequently, keep potassium and magnesium normal, and check lithium levels.
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 Lithium
- Lithium + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Lithium + Vandetanib Contraindicated
- Aceclofenac + Lithium Major
- Acemetacin + Lithium Major
- Amisulpride + Lithium Major
- Amlodipine-benazepril + Lithium 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 Lithium?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Disopyramide and Lithium 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 marked QT-prolonging and proarrhythmic potential. Lithium can add to repolarization effects and conduction disturbance, especially with sinus node dysfunction.
How serious is the interaction between Disopyramide and Lithium?
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 an alternative exists. If it is unavoidable, monitor the ECG continuously or frequently, keep potassium and magnesium normal, and check lithium levels.
What other medicines interact with Lithium?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Lithium with, for example, Thioridazine, Vandetanib, Aceclofenac. The full list is on the Lithium page.
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