Drug interactions
Imidapril + Lithium
Severity: Major
Imidapril and Lithium: 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
ACE inhibitors reduce renal lithium clearance and can raise serum lithium to toxic levels, with reports of tremor, confusion and renal impairment. The effect may emerge over days to weeks after starting the ACE inhibitor.
What this interaction means in plain words
Imidapril and Lithium 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.
Imidapril belongs to Cardiovascular; Lithium belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Sodium depletion and reduced renal perfusion increase proximal tubular lithium reabsorption.
What to do
Avoid the combination if possible. If used, reduce the lithium dose as needed and monitor serum lithium and renal function frequently, especially at initiation and dose changes.
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 Lithium
- Lithium + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Lithium + Vandetanib Contraindicated
- Aceclofenac + Lithium Major
- Acemetacin + Lithium Major
- Amisulpride + Lithium Major
- Amlodipine-benazepril + Lithium Major
Other interactions of Imidapril
- Amiloride + Imidapril Major
- Eplerenone + Imidapril Major
- Imidapril + Pregabalin Major
- Imidapril + Spironolactone Major
- Imidapril + Triamterene Major
- Acetylsalicylic acid + Imidapril Moderate
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Imidapril with Lithium?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Imidapril and Lithium 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. ACE inhibitors reduce renal lithium clearance and can raise serum lithium to toxic levels, with reports of tremor, confusion and renal impairment. The effect may emerge over days to weeks after starting the ACE inhibitor.
How serious is the interaction between Imidapril and Lithium?
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 if possible. If used, reduce the lithium dose as needed and monitor serum lithium and renal function frequently, especially at initiation and dose changes.
What other medicines interact with Lithium?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Lithium with, for example, Thioridazine, Vandetanib, Aceclofenac. The full list is on the Lithium page.
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