Drug interactions
Imipramine + Quinacrine
Severity: Moderate
Imipramine and Quinacrine: 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
Quinacrine may inhibit CYP2D6 and could raise imipramine and desipramine levels, increasing the risk of anticholinergic effects, sedation and cardiac toxicity. Clinical data are limited and the effect is predicted rather than well documented.
What this interaction means in plain words
Imipramine and Quinacrine 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.
Why it happens
Probable inhibition of CYP2D6-mediated hydroxylation of imipramine and desipramine.
What to do
Monitor for tricyclic toxicity and consider ECG or plasma level monitoring. Reduce the imipramine dose if adverse effects occur.
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 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 Quinacrine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Imipramine and Quinacrine 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. Quinacrine may inhibit CYP2D6 and could raise imipramine and desipramine levels, increasing the risk of anticholinergic effects, sedation and cardiac toxicity. Clinical data are limited and the effect is predicted rather than well documented.
How serious is the interaction between Imipramine and Quinacrine?
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 toxicity and consider ECG or plasma level monitoring. Reduce the imipramine dose if adverse effects occur.
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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