Drug interactions
Citalopram + Foscarnet
Severity: Major
Citalopram and Foscarnet: 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 foscarnet also causes hypocalcemia and hypomagnesemia, which raise arrhythmia risk. The combination increases the risk of torsades de pointes.
What this interaction means in plain words
Citalopram and Foscarnet 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; Foscarnet belongs to Anti Virals.
Why it happens
Additive QT prolongation, with foscarnet-induced electrolyte disturbances as an aggravating factor.
What to do
Obtain a baseline ECG and monitor QTc during therapy, and keep potassium, magnesium and calcium in the normal range. Consider an alternative antidepressant with less QT effect if QTc becomes prolonged.
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 Foscarnet
- Cidofovir + Foscarnet Contraindicated
- Foscarnet + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Foscarnet + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Foscarnet + Vandetanib Contraindicated
- Adagrasib + Foscarnet Major
- Adefovir + Foscarnet Major
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 Foscarnet?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Citalopram and Foscarnet 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 foscarnet also causes hypocalcemia and hypomagnesemia, which raise arrhythmia risk. The combination increases the risk of torsades de pointes.
How serious is the interaction between Citalopram and Foscarnet?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Obtain a baseline ECG and monitor QTc during therapy, and keep potassium, magnesium and calcium in the normal range. Consider an alternative antidepressant with less QT effect if QTc becomes prolonged.
What other medicines interact with Foscarnet?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Foscarnet with, for example, Cidofovir, Pimozide, Thioridazine. The full list is on the Foscarnet page.
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