Drug interactions
Maprotiline + Ondansetron
Severity: Major
Maprotiline and Ondansetron: 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
Maprotiline, a tetracyclic antidepressant, can prolong QT and cause conduction disturbances. Together with ondansetron the risk of ventricular arrhythmia may increase, especially in patients with cardiac disease or electrolyte abnormalities.
What this interaction means in plain words
Maprotiline and Ondansetron 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.
Maprotiline belongs to Central Nervous System; Ondansetron belongs to Gastrointestinal Tract.
Why it happens
Additive delayed cardiac repolarization via potassium channel blockade.
What to do
Check baseline ECG and electrolytes, and monitor QTc. Use a different antiemetic if QTc is prolonged or there is structural heart disease.
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 Ondansetron
- Apomorphine + Ondansetron Contraindicated
- Ondansetron + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Ondansetron + Vandetanib Contraindicated
- Adagrasib + Ondansetron Major
- Amiodarone + Ondansetron Major
- Amisulpride + Ondansetron Major
Other interactions of Maprotiline
- Arsenic trioxide + Maprotiline Contraindicated
- Disopyramide + Maprotiline Contraindicated
- Dofetilide + Maprotiline Contraindicated
- Ibutilide + Maprotiline Contraindicated
- Isocarboxazid + Maprotiline Contraindicated
- Maprotiline + Methylene blue Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Maprotiline with Ondansetron?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Maprotiline and Ondansetron 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. Maprotiline, a tetracyclic antidepressant, can prolong QT and cause conduction disturbances. Together with ondansetron the risk of ventricular arrhythmia may increase, especially in patients with cardiac disease or electrolyte abnormalities.
How serious is the interaction between Maprotiline and Ondansetron?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Check baseline ECG and electrolytes, and monitor QTc. Use a different antiemetic if QTc is prolonged or there is structural heart disease.
What other medicines interact with Ondansetron?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Ondansetron with, for example, Apomorphine, Thioridazine, Vandetanib. The full list is on the Ondansetron page.
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