Drug interactions
Charcoal + Citalopram
Severity: Moderate
Charcoal 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
Activated charcoal binds citalopram in the gut and reduces its absorption. With therapeutic dosing this could lower efficacy, whereas in overdose this effect is intentionally used to limit toxicity.
What this interaction means in plain words
Charcoal 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.
Charcoal belongs to Gastrointestinal Tract; Citalopram belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Charcoal adsorbs citalopram in the gastrointestinal tract, reducing its absorption.
What to do
Separate therapeutic citalopram doses from charcoal by at least 2 hours, ideally giving citalopram well before charcoal. In overdose, give charcoal as indicated and monitor ECG and for serotonin toxicity.
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 Charcoal
- Charcoal + Digoxin Moderate
- Charcoal + Leflunomide Moderate
- Charcoal + Methotrexate Moderate
- Charcoal + Theophylline Moderate
- Charcoal + Tiratricol Moderate
- Acarbose + Charcoal Minor
Other interactions of Citalopram
- Cisapride + Citalopram Contraindicated
- Citalopram + Dronedarone Contraindicated
- Citalopram + Escitalopram Contraindicated
- Citalopram + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Citalopram + Methylene blue Contraindicated
- Citalopram + Phenelzine Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Charcoal with Citalopram?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Charcoal 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. Activated charcoal binds citalopram in the gut and reduces its absorption. With therapeutic dosing this could lower efficacy, whereas in overdose this effect is intentionally used to limit toxicity.
How serious is the interaction between Charcoal 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: Separate therapeutic citalopram doses from charcoal by at least 2 hours, ideally giving citalopram well before charcoal. In overdose, give charcoal as indicated and monitor ECG and for serotonin toxicity.
What other medicines interact with Charcoal?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Charcoal with, for example, Digoxin, Leflunomide, Methotrexate. The full list is on the Charcoal page.
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