Drug interactions
Citalopram + Disopyramide
Severity: Major
Citalopram and Disopyramide: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: US FDA label
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 disopyramide is associated with torsades de pointes. Combined use may increase the risk of serious ventricular arrhythmia.
What this interaction means in plain words
Citalopram and Disopyramide 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.
Citalopram belongs to Central Nervous System; Disopyramide belongs to Cardiovascular.
Why it happens
Additive QT prolongation by blocking cardiac repolarizing potassium currents.
What to do
Avoid if possible, choosing an antidepressant with less QT effect such as sertraline. If used together, monitor ECG, keep potassium and magnesium normal and do not exceed citalopram dose limits.
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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References
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 Disopyramide
- Amisulpride + Disopyramide Contraindicated
- Desipramine + Disopyramide Contraindicated
- Disopyramide + Dronedarone Contraindicated
- Disopyramide + Itraconazole Contraindicated
- Disopyramide + Ketoconazole Contraindicated
- Disopyramide + Maprotiline Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Citalopram with Disopyramide?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Citalopram and Disopyramide 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 disopyramide is associated with torsades de pointes. Combined use may increase the risk of serious ventricular arrhythmia.
How serious is the interaction between Citalopram and Disopyramide?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid if possible, choosing an antidepressant with less QT effect such as sertraline. If used together, monitor ECG, keep potassium and magnesium normal and do not exceed citalopram dose limits.
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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