Drug interactions
Lofexidine + Nortriptyline
Severity: Moderate
Lofexidine and Nortriptyline: 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
Lofexidine is an alpha-2 agonist that causes sedation, hypotension and QT prolongation, and nortriptyline adds sedation and QT effects. Tricyclics may also reduce the antihypertensive and withdrawal-suppressing effect of alpha-2 agonists.
What this interaction means in plain words
Lofexidine and Nortriptyline 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.
Lofexidine belongs to Central Nervous System; Nortriptyline belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive sedation and QT prolongation, with possible pharmacodynamic antagonism of alpha-2 agonist effects.
What to do
Monitor the ECG, blood pressure and heart rate, and assess withdrawal symptom control. Correct electrolytes before starting lofexidine.
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 Nortriptyline
- Disopyramide + Nortriptyline Contraindicated
- Dofetilide + Nortriptyline Contraindicated
- Dronedarone + Nortriptyline Contraindicated
- Ibutilide + Nortriptyline Contraindicated
- Isocarboxazid + Nortriptyline Contraindicated
- Methylene blue + Nortriptyline Contraindicated
Other interactions of Lofexidine
- Adagrasib + Lofexidine Major
- Alfuzosin + Lofexidine Major
- Amiodarone + Lofexidine Major
- Amisulpride + Lofexidine Major
- Anagrelide + Lofexidine Major
- Apomorphine + Lofexidine Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Lofexidine with Nortriptyline?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Lofexidine and Nortriptyline 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. Lofexidine is an alpha-2 agonist that causes sedation, hypotension and QT prolongation, and nortriptyline adds sedation and QT effects. Tricyclics may also reduce the antihypertensive and withdrawal-suppressing effect of alpha-2 agonists.
How serious is the interaction between Lofexidine and Nortriptyline?
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 the ECG, blood pressure and heart rate, and assess withdrawal symptom control. Correct electrolytes before starting lofexidine.
What other medicines interact with Nortriptyline?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Nortriptyline with, for example, Disopyramide, Dofetilide, Dronedarone. The full list is on the Nortriptyline page.
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