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Drug Interactions between fluconazole and imipramine

This report displays the potential drug interactions for the following 2 drugs:

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Interactions between your drugs

Moderate

fluconazole imipramine

Applies to: fluconazole and imipramine

MONITOR: The coadministration with azole antifungal agents may increase the plasma concentrations of some tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs). Elevated TCA levels may result in CNS toxicity, anticholinergic symptoms, and QT interval prolongation. The mechanism is decreased TCA clearance due to azole-related inhibition of the CYP450 3A4 isoenzyme, which is partially responsible for the metabolism of TCAs like amitriptyline, clomipramine, imipramine, and possibly others. Fluconazole additionally inhibits CYP450 2C19, which is another secondary route of metabolism for several TCAs. The effect of a single dose of fluconazole on TCA pharmacokinetics has not been reported. In a pharmacokinetic study involving six healthy subjects, ketoconazole (200 mg/day for 14 days) increased the half-life and area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC) of a single dose of imipramine (100 mg) by 15% and 20%, respectively, but did not affect the pharmacokinetics of desipramine or its metabolite.

MANAGEMENT: During concomitant therapy with azole antifungal agents, patients stabilized on their TCA regimen should be observed for increased pharmacologic response to the TCA, and the dosage adjusted accordingly if necessary. Serum TCA levels should be monitored following initiation or discontinuation of azole antifungal therapy. Patients should be advised to notify their caregiver if they experience excessive dry mouth, visual disturbances, urinary retention, dizziness, syncope, fast or irregular heartbeat, constipation, or seizures.

References

  1. Newberry DL, Bass SN, Mbanefo CO (1997) "A fluconazole/amitriptyline drug interaction in three male adults." Clin Infect Dis, 24, p. 270-1
  2. Spina E, Avenoso A, Campo GM, Scordo MG, Caputi AP, Perucca E (1997) "Effect of ketoconazole on the pharmacokinetics of imipramine and desipramine in healthy subjects." Br J Clin Pharmacol, 43, p. 315-8
  3. Gannon RH (1992) "Fluconazole-nortriptyline drug interaction." Ann Pharmacother, 26, p. 1456
  4. Robinson RF, Nahata MC, Olshefski RS (2000) "Syncope associated with concurrent amitriptyline and fluconazole therapy." Ann Pharmacother, 34, p. 1406-9
  5. Dorsey ST, Biblio LA (2000) "Prolonged QT interval and torsades de pointes caused by the combination of fluconazole and amitriptyline." Am J Emerg Med, 18, p. 227-9
View all 5 references

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Drug and food interactions

Moderate

imipramine food

Applies to: imipramine

GENERALLY AVOID: Concomitant use of ethanol and a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) may result altered TCA plasma levels and efficacy, and additive impairment of motor skills, especially driving skills. Acute ethanol ingestion may inhibit TCA metabolism, while chronic ingestion of large amounts of ethanol may induce hepatic TCA metabolism.

MANAGEMENT: Patients should be advised to avoid alcohol during TCA therapy. Alcoholics who have undergone detoxification should be monitored for decreased TCA efficacy. Dosage adjustments may be required.

References

  1. Dorian P, Sellers EM, Reed KL, et al. (1983) "Amitriptyline and ethanol: pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic interaction." Eur J Clin Pharmacol, 25, p. 325-31
  2. Warrington SJ, Ankier SI, Turner P (1986) "Evaluation of possible interactions between ethanol and trazodone or amitriptyline." Neuropsychobiology, 15, p. 31-7
  3. Sandoz M, Vandel S, Vandel B, Bonin B, Allers G, Volmat R (1983) "Biotransformation of amitriptyline in alcoholic depressive patients." Eur J Clin Pharmacol, 24, p. 615-21
  4. Ciraulo DA, Barnhill JG, Jaffe JH (1988) "Clinical pharmacokinetics of imipramine and desipramine in alcoholics and normal volunteers." Clin Pharmacol Ther, 43, p. 509-18
  5. Seppala T, Linnoila M, Elonen E, Mattila MJ, Makl M (1975) "Effect of tricyclic antidepressants and alcohol on psychomotor skills related to driving." Clin Pharmacol Ther, 17, p. 515-22
  6. Ciraulo DA, Barnhill JG, Jaffe JH, Ciraulo AM, Tarmey MF (1990) "Intravenous pharmacokinetics of 2-hydroxyimipramine in alcoholics and normal controls." J Stud Alcohol, 51, p. 366-72
  7. Ciraulo DA, Alderson LM, Chapron DJ, Jaffe JH, Subbarao B, Kramer PA (1982) "Imipramine disposition in alcoholics." J Clin Psychopharmacol, 2, p. 2-7
View all 7 references

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Therapeutic duplication warnings

No warnings were found for your selected drugs.

Therapeutic duplication warnings are only returned when drugs within the same group exceed the recommended therapeutic duplication maximum.

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Drug Interaction Classification

These classifications are only a guideline. The relevance of a particular drug interaction to a specific individual is difficult to determine. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting or stopping any medication.
Major Highly clinically significant. Avoid combinations; the risk of the interaction outweighs the benefit.
Moderate Moderately clinically significant. Usually avoid combinations; use it only under special circumstances.
Minor Minimally clinically significant. Minimize risk; assess risk and consider an alternative drug, take steps to circumvent the interaction risk and/or institute a monitoring plan.
Unknown No interaction information available.

Further information

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