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Drug interactions

Imipramine + Peginterferon alfa 2a

Severity: Moderate

Imipramine and Peginterferon alfa 2a: 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

Peginterferon alfa-2a can inhibit CYP1A2, which participates in imipramine metabolism, potentially raising tricyclic levels. This may lead to anticholinergic effects, sedation, and cardiac conduction changes.

What this interaction means in plain words

Imipramine and Peginterferon alfa 2a 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; Peginterferon alfa 2a belongs to Anti Virals.

Evidence level: Low

Why it happens

Inhibition of CYP1A2-mediated metabolism by peginterferon alfa-2a.

What to do

Monitor for tricyclic adverse effects and consider ECG or drug level monitoring. Reduce the imipramine dose 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?

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

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Frequently asked questions

Can I take Imipramine with Peginterferon alfa 2a?

MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Imipramine and Peginterferon alfa 2a 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. Peginterferon alfa-2a can inhibit CYP1A2, which participates in imipramine metabolism, potentially raising tricyclic levels. This may lead to anticholinergic effects, sedation, and cardiac conduction changes.

How serious is the interaction between Imipramine and Peginterferon alfa 2a?

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 tricyclic adverse effects and consider ECG or drug level monitoring. Reduce the imipramine dose if toxicity appears.

What other medicines interact with Peginterferon alfa 2a?

MediHelp also lists interactions of Peginterferon alfa 2a with, for example, Clozapine, Deferiprone, Hydroxyurea. The full list is on the Peginterferon alfa 2a page.

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