Drug interactions
Arsenic trioxide + Citalopram
Severity: Major
Arsenic trioxide and Citalopram: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: US FDA label
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
Arsenic trioxide causes marked QT prolongation and torsades de pointes, and citalopram adds further QT liability. The combination substantially increases the risk of life-threatening arrhythmia.
What this interaction means in plain words
Arsenic trioxide and Citalopram 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.
Arsenic trioxide belongs to Oncology; Citalopram belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive prolongation of cardiac repolarization.
What to do
Avoid if possible and choose a non-QT-prolonging antidepressant such as sertraline. If unavoidable, perform serial ECGs and keep potassium and magnesium in the normal 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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References
Other interactions of Citalopram
- Cisapride + Citalopram Contraindicated
- Citalopram + Dronedarone Contraindicated
- Citalopram + Escitalopram Contraindicated
- Citalopram + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Citalopram + Methylene blue Contraindicated
- Citalopram + Phenelzine Contraindicated
Other interactions of Arsenic trioxide
- Amiodarone + Arsenic trioxide Contraindicated
- Amisulpride + Arsenic trioxide Contraindicated
- Arsenic trioxide + Clomipramine Contraindicated
- Arsenic trioxide + Dronedarone Contraindicated
- Arsenic trioxide + Fluphenazine Contraindicated
- Arsenic trioxide + Gemifloxacin Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Arsenic trioxide with Citalopram?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Arsenic trioxide and Citalopram 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. Arsenic trioxide causes marked QT prolongation and torsades de pointes, and citalopram adds further QT liability. The combination substantially increases the risk of life-threatening arrhythmia.
How serious is the interaction between Arsenic trioxide and Citalopram?
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 if possible and choose a non-QT-prolonging antidepressant such as sertraline. If unavoidable, perform serial ECGs and keep potassium and magnesium in the normal range.
What other medicines interact with Citalopram?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Citalopram with, for example, Cisapride, Dronedarone, Escitalopram. The full list is on the Citalopram page.
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