Drug interactions
Citalopram + Givinostat
Severity: Major
Citalopram and Givinostat: 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
Givinostat and citalopram both lengthen the QTc interval, raising the likelihood of torsades de pointes. The risk is greater with electrolyte disturbance or underlying heart disease.
What this interaction means in plain words
Citalopram and Givinostat 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; Givinostat belongs to Miscellaneous.
Why it happens
Additive prolongation of cardiac repolarization.
What to do
Avoid if possible; otherwise obtain ECGs at initiation and during treatment and correct potassium and magnesium. Hold the drugs if QTc exceeds 500 ms or rises markedly from baseline.
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
Other interactions of Givinostat
- Abiraterone + Givinostat Major
- Amiodarone + Givinostat Major
- Amisulpride + Givinostat Major
- Amitriptyline + Givinostat Major
- Anagrelide + Givinostat Major
- Asenapine + Givinostat Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Citalopram with Givinostat?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Citalopram and Givinostat 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. Givinostat and citalopram both lengthen the QTc interval, raising the likelihood of torsades de pointes. The risk is greater with electrolyte disturbance or underlying heart disease.
How serious is the interaction between Citalopram and Givinostat?
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; otherwise obtain ECGs at initiation and during treatment and correct potassium and magnesium. Hold the drugs if QTc exceeds 500 ms or rises markedly from baseline.
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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