Drug interactions
Chloramphenicol + Citalopram
Severity: Moderate
Chloramphenicol 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
Chloramphenicol may inhibit the metabolism of citalopram and raise its concentrations. Higher citalopram levels increase the risk of dose-related QT prolongation and serotonergic adverse effects.
What this interaction means in plain words
Chloramphenicol 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.
Chloramphenicol belongs to Anti Bacterial; Citalopram belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Inhibition of CYP3A4 and possibly CYP2C19 metabolism of citalopram by chloramphenicol.
What to do
Monitor for increased citalopram adverse effects and consider an ECG in patients with cardiac risk factors. Reduce the citalopram dose if toxicity appears.
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?
Pro+ members
Unlock the full page
Create an account and start a Pro+ trial to unlock the full management advice for Chloramphenicol and Citalopram, the additional notes, the evidence detail and the whole-prescription interaction checker.
- Full clinical management advice
- Additional notes
- Evidence detail
- Interaction checker for a whole prescription
Try Pro+ free for 7 days on the web. No card needed.
Other interactions of Chloramphenicol
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 Chloramphenicol with Citalopram?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Chloramphenicol 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. Chloramphenicol may inhibit the metabolism of citalopram and raise its concentrations. Higher citalopram levels increase the risk of dose-related QT prolongation and serotonergic adverse effects.
How serious is the interaction between Chloramphenicol 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: Monitor for increased citalopram adverse effects and consider an ECG in patients with cardiac risk factors. Reduce the citalopram dose if toxicity appears.
What other medicines interact with Chloramphenicol?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Chloramphenicol with, for example, Adagrasib, Avapritinib, Bcg vaccine live. The full list is on the Chloramphenicol page.
Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app
Open the complete reference, check multi-drug interactions and use dosing tools in the MediHelp app.
