Drug interactions
Citalopram + Dofetilide
Severity: Major
Citalopram and Dofetilide: 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
Dofetilide has a high torsades de pointes risk and citalopram adds dose-dependent QT prolongation. The combination can precipitate life-threatening arrhythmia.
What this interaction means in plain words
Citalopram and Dofetilide 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; Dofetilide belongs to Cardiovascular.
Why it happens
Additive QT prolongation through blockade of the IKr potassium current.
What to do
Avoid if possible and prefer an antidepressant with minimal QT effect. If unavoidable, monitor QTc continuously during dofetilide initiation and keep electrolytes normal.
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 Dofetilide
- Amiodarone + Dofetilide Contraindicated
- Amisulpride + Dofetilide Contraindicated
- Amlodipine-hydrochlorothiazide-valsartan + Dofetilide Contraindicated
- Amlodipine-olmesartan-hydrochlorothiazide + Dofetilide Contraindicated
- Candesartan-hydrochlorothiazide + Dofetilide Contraindicated
- Captopril-hydrochlorothiazide + Dofetilide Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Citalopram with Dofetilide?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Citalopram and Dofetilide 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. Dofetilide has a high torsades de pointes risk and citalopram adds dose-dependent QT prolongation. The combination can precipitate life-threatening arrhythmia.
How serious is the interaction between Citalopram and Dofetilide?
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 and prefer an antidepressant with minimal QT effect. If unavoidable, monitor QTc continuously during dofetilide initiation and keep electrolytes normal.
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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