Drug interactions
Citalopram + Gemifloxacin
Severity: Major
Citalopram and Gemifloxacin: 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 in a concentration-related manner, increasing the risk of torsades de pointes. Citalopram's QT effect is dose-dependent and the risk is greater with other risk factors.
What this interaction means in plain words
Citalopram and Gemifloxacin 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; Gemifloxacin belongs to Anti Bacterial.
Why it happens
Additive inhibition of cardiac potassium channels prolonging ventricular repolarization.
What to do
Choose a non-QT-prolonging antibiotic if possible. If combined, obtain ECG monitoring, correct potassium and magnesium, and keep citalopram at or below the labeled maximum dose.
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 Gemifloxacin
- Arsenic trioxide + Gemifloxacin Contraindicated
- Dofetilide + Gemifloxacin Contraindicated
- Gemifloxacin + Ibutilide Contraindicated
- Gemifloxacin + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Gemifloxacin + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Gemifloxacin + Vandetanib Contraindicated
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 Gemifloxacin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Citalopram and Gemifloxacin 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 in a concentration-related manner, increasing the risk of torsades de pointes. Citalopram's QT effect is dose-dependent and the risk is greater with other risk factors.
How serious is the interaction between Citalopram and Gemifloxacin?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Choose a non-QT-prolonging antibiotic if possible. If combined, obtain ECG monitoring, correct potassium and magnesium, and keep citalopram at or below the labeled maximum dose.
What other medicines interact with Gemifloxacin?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Gemifloxacin with, for example, Arsenic trioxide, Dofetilide, Ibutilide. The full list is on the Gemifloxacin page.
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