Drug interactions
Ethinylestradiol + Imipramine
Severity: Moderate
Ethinylestradiol 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
Ethinylestradiol can raise tricyclic antidepressant concentrations, and increased imipramine adverse effects such as sedation, dry mouth, tachycardia and orthostasis have been reported. The change in exposure is variable and typically modest.
What this interaction means in plain words
Ethinylestradiol 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.
Why it happens
Ethinylestradiol may inhibit hepatic oxidative metabolism (CYP-mediated demethylation and hydroxylation) of imipramine.
What to do
Monitor for anticholinergic, sedative and cardiovascular adverse effects when starting an estrogen-containing contraceptive, and consider a lower imipramine dose or serum level monitoring if toxicity appears.
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 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 Ethinylestradiol with Imipramine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Ethinylestradiol 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. Ethinylestradiol can raise tricyclic antidepressant concentrations, and increased imipramine adverse effects such as sedation, dry mouth, tachycardia and orthostasis have been reported. The change in exposure is variable and typically modest.
How serious is the interaction between Ethinylestradiol 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 for anticholinergic, sedative and cardiovascular adverse effects when starting an estrogen-containing contraceptive, and consider a lower imipramine dose or serum level monitoring if toxicity appears.
What other medicines interact with Imipramine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Imipramine with, for example, Dronedarone, Isocarboxazid, Phenelzine. The full list is on the Imipramine page.
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