Drug interactions
Imipramine + Procainamide
Severity: Major
Imipramine and Procainamide: 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 agents slow cardiac conduction and can prolong the QT interval, so together they raise the risk of torsades de pointes and conduction block. Procainamide may also add anticholinergic-like effects.
What this interaction means in plain words
Imipramine and Procainamide 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.
Why it happens
Additive sodium-channel blockade and QT prolongation.
What to do
Avoid combining when possible. If necessary, monitor ECG intervals (QRS and QTc) and electrolytes closely.
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 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 Procainamide?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Imipramine and Procainamide 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 agents slow cardiac conduction and can prolong the QT interval, so together they raise the risk of torsades de pointes and conduction block. Procainamide may also add anticholinergic-like effects.
How serious is the interaction between Imipramine and Procainamide?
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 combining when possible. If necessary, monitor ECG intervals (QRS and QTc) and electrolytes closely.
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.
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