Drug interactions
Imipramine + Ondansetron
Severity: Moderate
Imipramine and Ondansetron: 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
Serotonin syndrome has been reported when ondansetron is given with serotonergic antidepressants. Imipramine also prolongs QT and can cause conduction abnormalities, so the combination may add arrhythmic risk.
What this interaction means in plain words
Imipramine and Ondansetron 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.
Imipramine belongs to Central Nervous System; Ondansetron belongs to Gastrointestinal Tract.
Why it happens
Additive serotonergic activity and additive QT prolongation.
What to do
Monitor for signs of serotonin toxicity and obtain an ECG if there are other QT risk factors. Stop the combination if neuromuscular excitation, hyperthermia or autonomic instability develops.
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 Ondansetron
- Apomorphine + Ondansetron Contraindicated
- Ondansetron + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Ondansetron + Vandetanib Contraindicated
- Adagrasib + Ondansetron Major
- Amiodarone + Ondansetron Major
- Amisulpride + Ondansetron 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 Imipramine with Ondansetron?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Imipramine and Ondansetron 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. Serotonin syndrome has been reported when ondansetron is given with serotonergic antidepressants. Imipramine also prolongs QT and can cause conduction abnormalities, so the combination may add arrhythmic risk.
How serious is the interaction between Imipramine and Ondansetron?
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 signs of serotonin toxicity and obtain an ECG if there are other QT risk factors. Stop the combination if neuromuscular excitation, hyperthermia or autonomic instability develops.
What other medicines interact with Ondansetron?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Ondansetron with, for example, Apomorphine, Thioridazine, Vandetanib. The full list is on the Ondansetron page.
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