Skip to content

Drug interactions

Imipramine + Lapatinib

Severity: Major

Imipramine and Lapatinib: 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

Both drugs can prolong the QT interval, so combined use may raise the risk of torsades de pointes. Risk is greater with electrolyte disturbances, bradycardia or cardiac disease.

What this interaction means in plain words

Imipramine and Lapatinib 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.

Imipramine belongs to Central Nervous System; Lapatinib belongs to Oncology.

Evidence level: Moderate

Why it happens

Additive QTc prolongation through cardiac repolarization effects.

What to do

Obtain a baseline ECG and monitor QTc and electrolytes (potassium, magnesium) during treatment; consider an alternative antidepressant if QTc becomes prolonged.

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?

Bring a full list of your medicines, including over-the-counter products, supplements and herbal remedies, to every pharmacy visit.

Pro+ members

Unlock the full page

Create an account and start a Pro+ trial to unlock the full management advice for Imipramine and Lapatinib, the additional notes, the evidence detail and the whole-prescription interaction checker.

  • Full clinical management advice
  • Additional notes
  • Evidence detail
  • Interaction checker for a whole prescription

Try Pro+ free for 14 days on the web. No card needed.

Frequently asked questions

Can I take Imipramine with Lapatinib?

MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Imipramine and Lapatinib 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. Both drugs can prolong the QT interval, so combined use may raise the risk of torsades de pointes. Risk is greater with electrolyte disturbances, bradycardia or cardiac disease.

How serious is the interaction between Imipramine and Lapatinib?

MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Obtain a baseline ECG and monitor QTc and electrolytes (potassium, magnesium) during treatment; consider an alternative antidepressant if QTc becomes prolonged.

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.

Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app

Open the complete reference, check multi-drug interactions and use dosing tools in the MediHelp app.

Browse A–Z · Drug interactions

Get the app Sign in