Drug interactions
Atazanavir + Citalopram
Severity: Moderate
Atazanavir and Citalopram: 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
Atazanavir inhibits CYP3A4 and may raise citalopram concentrations modestly, and both drugs may affect QT interval. Higher citalopram exposure increases the risk of QT prolongation.
What this interaction means in plain words
Atazanavir and Citalopram 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.
Atazanavir belongs to Anti Virals; Citalopram belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Atazanavir inhibits CYP3A4, one of the pathways metabolizing citalopram, with possible additive QT effects.
What to do
Use the lowest effective citalopram dose and monitor ECG in patients with cardiac risk factors. Consider sertraline as an alternative.
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 Citalopram
- Cisapride + Citalopram Contraindicated
- Citalopram + Dronedarone Contraindicated
- Citalopram + Escitalopram Contraindicated
- Citalopram + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Citalopram + Methylene blue Contraindicated
- Citalopram + Phenelzine Contraindicated
Other interactions of Atazanavir
- Alfuzosin + Atazanavir Contraindicated
- Atazanavir + Avanafil Contraindicated
- Atazanavir + Dronedarone Contraindicated
- Atazanavir + Eletriptan Contraindicated
- Atazanavir + Eplerenone Contraindicated
- Atazanavir + Ergotamine Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Atazanavir with Citalopram?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Atazanavir and Citalopram 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. Atazanavir inhibits CYP3A4 and may raise citalopram concentrations modestly, and both drugs may affect QT interval. Higher citalopram exposure increases the risk of QT prolongation.
How serious is the interaction between Atazanavir and Citalopram?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Use the lowest effective citalopram dose and monitor ECG in patients with cardiac risk factors. Consider sertraline as an alternative.
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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