What the FDA labels say about taking them together
Cimetidine and desipramine
Desipramine's FDA label of July 9, 2025 names cimetidine in its drug interactions section; cimetidine's label does not name desipramine itself but warns about its class (Tricyclic antidepressants).
Check it at the source: the cimetidine FDA label on DailyMed (effective July 15, 2026, Mylan Pharmaceuticals Inc.); the desipramine FDA label on DailyMed (effective July 9, 2025, Alembic Pharmaceuticals Inc.).
What does the cimetidine label say about desipramine?
Cimetidine's label does not name desipramine itself; it warns about its class (Tricyclic antidepressants):
Cimetidine label, drug interactionsDrug Interactions Cimetidine tablets, apparently through an effect on certain microsomal enzyme systems, has been reported to reduce the hepatic metabolism of warfarin-type anticoagulants, phenytoin, propranolol, nifedipine, chlordiazepoxide, diazepam, certain tricyclic antidepressants, lidocaine, theophylline, and metronidazole, thereby delaying elimination and increasing blood levels of these drugs.
Source: FDA drug label (Cimetidine), Mylan Pharmaceuticals Inc., effective July 15, 2026 (SPL set 06c0a509-026f-44e0-9975-a94a8de51d43), via openFDA; the full label on DailyMed
What does the desipramine label say about cimetidine?
Desipramine label, drug interactionsThe drugs that inhibit cytochrome P450 2D6 include some that are not metabolized by the enzyme (quinidine; cimetidine) and many that are substrates for P450 2D6 (many other antidepressants, phenothiazines, and the Type IC antiarrhythmics propafenone and flecainide).
Source: FDA drug label (DESIPRAMINE HYDROCHLORIDE), Alembic Pharmaceuticals Inc., effective July 9, 2025 (SPL set cad14805-64d8-4257-b5f1-d56e0063f0e2), via openFDA; the full label on DailyMed
These are the labels' own sentences. PlainMeds does not grade interactions; a pharmacist or prescriber can say what they mean for one person's medicines.
Both medicines on the record
| Cimetidine | Desipramine | |
|---|---|---|
| Labeled for | Acid reflux and ulcers | Depression |
| Boxed warning | No | Yes |
| Pharmacy cost (NADAC) | $0.236 per tablet 300 mg tablet | $0.276 per tablet 75 mg tablet |
| Shortage now | No current entry | No current entry |
Source: FDA NDC Directory, CMS NADAC of October 7, 2026 and the FDA Drug Shortage Database (FDA files October 8, 2026)
What next?
- Check more medicines together
- up to five at once