Drug interactions
Citalopram + Furosemide
Severity: Moderate
Citalopram and Furosemide: 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
Both drugs can lower serum sodium, so combined use increases the risk of hyponatremia, especially in older adults. Furosemide may also cause hypokalemia and hypomagnesemia, which add to citalopram's QT-prolonging risk.
What this interaction means in plain words
Citalopram and Furosemide 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.
Citalopram belongs to Central Nervous System; Furosemide belongs to Cardiovascular.
Why it happens
Additive hyponatremia through diuretic sodium loss and SSRI-associated SIADH; diuretic electrolyte loss may potentiate QT prolongation.
What to do
Check sodium, potassium and magnesium at baseline and after starting or changing therapy, especially in elderly patients. Correct electrolyte disturbances and consider an ECG if risk factors for QT prolongation exist.
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?
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Other interactions of Furosemide
- Amifostine + Furosemide Major
- Amikacin + Furosemide Major
- Carbenoxolone + Furosemide Major
- Cephaloridine + Furosemide Major
- Cisplatin + Furosemide Major
- Digoxin + Furosemide 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 Furosemide?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Citalopram and Furosemide 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. Both drugs can lower serum sodium, so combined use increases the risk of hyponatremia, especially in older adults. Furosemide may also cause hypokalemia and hypomagnesemia, which add to citalopram's QT-prolonging risk.
How serious is the interaction between Citalopram and Furosemide?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Check sodium, potassium and magnesium at baseline and after starting or changing therapy, especially in elderly patients. Correct electrolyte disturbances and consider an ECG if risk factors for QT prolongation exist.
What other medicines interact with Furosemide?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Furosemide with, for example, Amifostine, Amikacin, Carbenoxolone. The full list is on the Furosemide page.
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