Drug interactions
Atazanavir + Escitalopram
Severity: Moderate
Atazanavir and Escitalopram: 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, usually boosted with ritonavir or cobicistat, may raise escitalopram exposure through CYP3A4 and CYP2C19 inhibition. Higher levels can increase QT prolongation and serotonergic adverse effects.
What this interaction means in plain words
Atazanavir and Escitalopram 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; Escitalopram belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Inhibition of CYP3A4 (and boosters' effects on CYP2C19) decreases escitalopram clearance.
What to do
Start escitalopram at a low dose and titrate to response, staying within the maximum labeled dose. Monitor ECG when other QT risks are present.
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 Escitalopram
- Cisapride + Escitalopram Contraindicated
- Citalopram + Escitalopram Contraindicated
- Escitalopram + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Escitalopram + Methylene blue Contraindicated
- Escitalopram + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Escitalopram + Pimozide 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 Escitalopram?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Atazanavir and Escitalopram 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, usually boosted with ritonavir or cobicistat, may raise escitalopram exposure through CYP3A4 and CYP2C19 inhibition. Higher levels can increase QT prolongation and serotonergic adverse effects.
How serious is the interaction between Atazanavir and Escitalopram?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Start escitalopram at a low dose and titrate to response, staying within the maximum labeled dose. Monitor ECG when other QT risks are present.
What other medicines interact with Escitalopram?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Escitalopram with, for example, Cisapride, Citalopram, Isocarboxazid. The full list is on the Escitalopram page.
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