Drug interactions
Efavirenz + Imipramine
Severity: Moderate
Efavirenz and Imipramine: 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
Efavirenz may change imipramine exposure, and both drugs can prolong the QT interval. This may raise the risk of anticholinergic effects, sedation and arrhythmia.
What this interaction means in plain words
Efavirenz and Imipramine 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.
Efavirenz belongs to Anti Virals; Imipramine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Altered tricyclic metabolism through CYP effects of efavirenz, plus additive QT prolongation.
What to do
Monitor ECG and for tricyclic toxicity or loss of effect. Adjust the imipramine dose, using plasma levels where available.
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 Efavirenz
- Cobimetinib + Efavirenz Contraindicated
- Dienogest / estradiol valerate + Efavirenz Contraindicated
- Dihydroergotamine intranasal + Efavirenz Contraindicated
- Dihydroergotamine + Efavirenz Contraindicated
- Doravirine + Efavirenz Contraindicated
- Efavirenz + Elbasvir / grazoprevir Contraindicated
Other interactions of Imipramine
- Dronedarone + Imipramine Contraindicated
- Imipramine + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Imipramine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Imipramine + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Imipramine + Rasagiline Contraindicated
- Imipramine + Safinamide Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Efavirenz with Imipramine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Efavirenz and Imipramine 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. Efavirenz may change imipramine exposure, and both drugs can prolong the QT interval. This may raise the risk of anticholinergic effects, sedation and arrhythmia.
How serious is the interaction between Efavirenz and Imipramine?
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 for tricyclic toxicity or loss of effect. Adjust the imipramine dose, using plasma levels where available.
What other medicines interact with Efavirenz?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Efavirenz with, for example, Cobimetinib, Dienogest / estradiol valerate, Dihydroergotamine intranasal. The full list is on the Efavirenz page.
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