Drug interactions
Ethinyl estradiol-norgestimate + Imipramine
Severity: Minor
Ethinyl estradiol-norgestimate 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
Oral contraceptive estrogens may raise imipramine plasma concentrations, which can increase tricyclic adverse effects such as sedation, dry mouth, orthostatic hypotension and tachycardia. The effect varies between patients and is usually modest.
What this interaction means in plain words
Ethinyl estradiol-norgestimate 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-norgestimate belongs to Endocrine; Imipramine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Ethinyl estradiol may inhibit CYP-mediated oxidative metabolism of imipramine, although the mechanism is not firmly established.
What to do
Monitor for anticholinergic, sedative and cardiovascular effects of imipramine when starting or stopping the contraceptive. Reduce the imipramine dose if adverse effects emerge.
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-norgestimate
- Ethinyl estradiol-norgestimate + Fezolinetant Contraindicated
- Ethinyl estradiol-norgestimate + Ombitasvir / paritaprevir / ritonavir and dasabuvir Contraindicated
- Ethinyl estradiol-norgestimate + Tranexamic acid Contraindicated
- Aminocaproic acid + Ethinyl estradiol-norgestimate Major
- Amobarbital + Ethinyl estradiol-norgestimate Major
- Anastrozole + Ethinyl estradiol-norgestimate 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-norgestimate with Imipramine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Ethinyl estradiol-norgestimate 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. Oral contraceptive estrogens may raise imipramine plasma concentrations, which can increase tricyclic adverse effects such as sedation, dry mouth, orthostatic hypotension and tachycardia. The effect varies between patients and is usually modest.
How serious is the interaction between Ethinyl estradiol-norgestimate 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 anticholinergic, sedative and cardiovascular effects of imipramine when starting or stopping the contraceptive. Reduce the imipramine dose if adverse effects emerge.
What other medicines interact with Ethinyl estradiol-norgestimate?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Ethinyl estradiol-norgestimate with, for example, Fezolinetant, Ombitasvir / paritaprevir / ritonavir and dasabuvir, Tranexamic acid. The full list is on the Ethinyl estradiol-norgestimate page.
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