Drug interactions
Encainide + Imatinib
Severity: Moderate
Encainide and Imatinib: 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
Imatinib inhibits CYP2D6 and could raise encainide levels. Encainide is a class IC antiarrhythmic with proarrhythmic risk and is no longer widely available.
What this interaction means in plain words
Encainide and Imatinib 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.
Why it happens
Imatinib inhibits CYP2D6-mediated metabolism of encainide.
What to do
Avoid the combination where possible. If encainide is used, monitor ECG for QRS widening and arrhythmias.
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 Imatinib
- Imatinib + Lomitapide Contraindicated
- Imatinib + Lonafarnib Contraindicated
- Amobarbital + Imatinib Major
- Apalutamide + Imatinib Major
- Avapritinib + Imatinib Major
- Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen + Imatinib Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Encainide with Imatinib?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Encainide and Imatinib 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. Imatinib inhibits CYP2D6 and could raise encainide levels. Encainide is a class IC antiarrhythmic with proarrhythmic risk and is no longer widely available.
How serious is the interaction between Encainide and Imatinib?
MediHelp rates it moderate, 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. If encainide is used, monitor ECG for QRS widening and arrhythmias.
What other medicines interact with Imatinib?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Imatinib with, for example, Lomitapide, Lonafarnib, Amobarbital. The full list is on the Imatinib page.
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