Drug interactions
Citalopram + Fexinidazole
Severity: Major
Citalopram and Fexinidazole: 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 can prolong the QT interval, and fexinidazole may also raise citalopram exposure through CYP3A4 inhibition. Together this increases the risk of torsades de pointes and other ventricular arrhythmias.
What this interaction means in plain words
Citalopram and Fexinidazole 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.
Why it happens
Additive QT prolongation through cardiac potassium channel effects, plus fexinidazole-related inhibition of CYP3A4-mediated citalopram metabolism.
What to do
Avoid the combination where possible and choose a non-QT-prolonging antidepressant during fexinidazole therapy. If unavoidable, obtain a baseline and follow-up ECG and correct potassium and magnesium.
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
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Citalopram with Fexinidazole?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Citalopram and Fexinidazole 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 can prolong the QT interval, and fexinidazole may also raise citalopram exposure through CYP3A4 inhibition. Together this increases the risk of torsades de pointes and other ventricular arrhythmias.
How serious is the interaction between Citalopram and Fexinidazole?
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 the combination where possible and choose a non-QT-prolonging antidepressant during fexinidazole therapy. If unavoidable, obtain a baseline and follow-up ECG and correct potassium and magnesium.
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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