Drug interactions
Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone + Imipramine
Severity: Minor
Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone and Imipramine: minor 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
Ethinyl estradiol may reduce the metabolism of tricyclic antidepressants such as imipramine, leading to higher plasma concentrations. This can increase anticholinergic, sedative and cardiovascular adverse effects. The effect is variable and usually modest.
What this interaction means in plain words
Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone and Imipramine have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone belongs to Endocrine; Imipramine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Estrogens may inhibit oxidative hepatic metabolism of tricyclic antidepressants, raising their serum levels.
What to do
Monitor for tricyclic adverse effects such as sedation, dry mouth and tachycardia after starting the contraceptive. Reduce the imipramine dose if toxicity appears, guided by clinical response or serum levels.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there anything I should notice while taking both?
- Do I need to tell my doctor at the next visit?
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Other interactions of Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone
- Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone + Fezolinetant Contraindicated
- Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone + Ombitasvir / paritaprevir / ritonavir Contraindicated
- Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone + Ombitasvir / paritaprevir / ritonavir and dasabuvir Contraindicated
- Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone + Tranexamic acid Contraindicated
- Aminocaproic acid + Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone Major
- Amobarbital + Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone Major
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 Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone with Imipramine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone and Imipramine have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Ethinyl estradiol may reduce the metabolism of tricyclic antidepressants such as imipramine, leading to higher plasma concentrations. This can increase anticholinergic, sedative and cardiovascular adverse effects. The effect is variable and usually modest.
How serious is the interaction between Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone and Imipramine?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor for tricyclic adverse effects such as sedation, dry mouth and tachycardia after starting the contraceptive. Reduce the imipramine dose if toxicity appears, guided by clinical response or serum levels.
What other medicines interact with Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone with, for example, Fezolinetant, Ombitasvir / paritaprevir / ritonavir, Ombitasvir / paritaprevir / ritonavir and dasabuvir. The full list is on the Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone page.
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