Drug interactions
Bedaquiline + Citalopram
Severity: Major
Bedaquiline and Citalopram: major 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
Both drugs prolong the QT interval, and combining them can increase the risk of torsades de pointes. The risk is greater with electrolyte disturbances, bradycardia, heart disease or other QT-prolonging drugs.
What this interaction means in plain words
Bedaquiline 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.
Bedaquiline belongs to Anti Bacterial; Citalopram belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive QTc prolongation through cardiac repolarization effects.
What to do
Obtain a baseline ECG and repeat it during treatment, and correct potassium, magnesium and calcium. Consider an alternative antidepressant, or stop bedaquiline if QTc rises markedly.
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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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 Bedaquiline
- Bedaquiline + Ziprasidone Contraindicated
- Alfuzosin + Bedaquiline Major
- Amiodarone + Bedaquiline Major
- Amisulpride + Bedaquiline Major
- Amitriptyline + Bedaquiline Major
- Amobarbital + Bedaquiline Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Bedaquiline with Citalopram?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Bedaquiline 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. Both drugs prolong the QT interval, and combining them can increase the risk of torsades de pointes. The risk is greater with electrolyte disturbances, bradycardia, heart disease or other QT-prolonging drugs.
How serious is the interaction between Bedaquiline 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: Obtain a baseline ECG and repeat it during treatment, and correct potassium, magnesium and calcium. Consider an alternative antidepressant, or stop bedaquiline if QTc rises markedly.
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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