Drug interactions
Imipramine + Propafenone
Severity: Moderate
Imipramine and Propafenone: 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
Propafenone inhibits CYP2D6, which converts imipramine and its active metabolite desipramine, so tricyclic levels can increase. This raises the risk of anticholinergic effects, sedation, seizures and arrhythmia. Both drugs also slow cardiac conduction.
What this interaction means in plain words
Imipramine and Propafenone 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; Propafenone belongs to Cardiovascular.
Why it happens
Propafenone inhibits CYP2D6 metabolism of imipramine, with additive conduction effects.
What to do
Start imipramine at a reduced dose and titrate with plasma level monitoring where available. Monitor ECG when doses change.
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?
Pro+ members
Unlock the full page
Create an account and start a Pro+ trial to unlock the full management advice for Imipramine and Propafenone, 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.
Other interactions of Propafenone
- Dofetilide + Propafenone Contraindicated
- Dronedarone + Propafenone Contraindicated
- Nilotinib + Propafenone Contraindicated
- Nirmatrelvir / ritonavir + Propafenone Contraindicated
- Nirmatrelvir + Propafenone Contraindicated
- Pimozide + Propafenone Contraindicated
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 Propafenone?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Imipramine and Propafenone 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. Propafenone inhibits CYP2D6, which converts imipramine and its active metabolite desipramine, so tricyclic levels can increase. This raises the risk of anticholinergic effects, sedation, seizures and arrhythmia. Both drugs also slow cardiac conduction.
How serious is the interaction between Imipramine and Propafenone?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Start imipramine at a reduced dose and titrate with plasma level monitoring where available. Monitor ECG when doses change.
What other medicines interact with Propafenone?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Propafenone with, for example, Dofetilide, Dronedarone, Nilotinib. The full list is on the Propafenone 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.
