Drug interactions
Imipramine + Vandetanib
Severity: Major
Imipramine and Vandetanib: 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
Vandetanib causes marked QT prolongation, and imipramine can also lengthen the QTc interval. Together they increase the risk of torsades de pointes and sudden death. Vandetanib labeling advises avoiding other QT-prolonging drugs.
What this interaction means in plain words
Imipramine and Vandetanib 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.
Imipramine belongs to Central Nervous System; Vandetanib belongs to Oncology.
Why it happens
Additive prolongation of cardiac repolarization via hERG channel blockade.
What to do
Avoid the combination and select a non-QT-prolonging antidepressant. If unavoidable, monitor ECGs more frequently and keep potassium, magnesium and calcium in range.
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
Other interactions of Vandetanib
- Amiodarone + Vandetanib Contraindicated
- Amisulpride + Vandetanib Contraindicated
- Amitriptyline + Vandetanib Contraindicated
- Anagrelide + Vandetanib Contraindicated
- Asenapine + Vandetanib Contraindicated
- Chloroquine + Vandetanib Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Imipramine with Vandetanib?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Imipramine and Vandetanib 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. Vandetanib causes marked QT prolongation, and imipramine can also lengthen the QTc interval. Together they increase the risk of torsades de pointes and sudden death. Vandetanib labeling advises avoiding other QT-prolonging drugs.
How serious is the interaction between Imipramine and Vandetanib?
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 the combination and select a non-QT-prolonging antidepressant. If unavoidable, monitor ECGs more frequently and keep potassium, magnesium and calcium in range.
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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