Drug interactions
Ibutilide + Olanzapine
Severity: Major
Ibutilide and Olanzapine: major 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
Ibutilide strongly prolongs the QT interval and has a high risk of torsades de pointes. Olanzapine may add further QT effect, so the combination can increase the risk of fatal arrhythmia.
What this interaction means in plain words
Ibutilide and Olanzapine can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Ibutilide belongs to Cardiovascular; Olanzapine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive pharmacodynamic effect on cardiac repolarization.
What to do
Avoid the combination where possible. If ibutilide is needed for cardioversion, ensure continuous ECG monitoring and normal electrolytes, and consider the timing of olanzapine doses.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
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Other interactions of Olanzapine
Other interactions of Ibutilide
- Amiodarone + Ibutilide Contraindicated
- Amisulpride + Ibutilide Contraindicated
- Chlorpromazine + Ibutilide Contraindicated
- Clarithromycin + Ibutilide Contraindicated
- Desipramine + Ibutilide Contraindicated
- Dolasetron + Ibutilide Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Ibutilide with Olanzapine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Ibutilide and Olanzapine can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Ibutilide strongly prolongs the QT interval and has a high risk of torsades de pointes. Olanzapine may add further QT effect, so the combination can increase the risk of fatal arrhythmia.
How serious is the interaction between Ibutilide and Olanzapine?
MediHelp rates it major, 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 ibutilide is needed for cardioversion, ensure continuous ECG monitoring and normal electrolytes, and consider the timing of olanzapine doses.
What other medicines interact with Olanzapine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Olanzapine with, for example, Amisulpride, Amoxapine, Apomorphine. The full list is on the Olanzapine page.
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