Drug interactions
Citalopram + Ibutilide
Severity: Major
Citalopram and Ibutilide: 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
Ibutilide markedly prolongs the QT interval and carries a risk of torsades de pointes. Citalopram adds a dose-related QT effect, increasing arrhythmia risk.
What this interaction means in plain words
Citalopram and Ibutilide 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; Ibutilide belongs to Cardiovascular.
Why it happens
Additive QT prolongation through potassium channel (hERG) blockade.
What to do
Avoid if possible; if ibutilide is needed, use continuous ECG monitoring during and after infusion and ensure potassium and magnesium are normal. Consider holding citalopram around cardioversion.
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 Citalopram
- Cisapride + Citalopram Contraindicated
- Citalopram + Dronedarone Contraindicated
- Citalopram + Escitalopram Contraindicated
- Citalopram + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Citalopram + Methylene blue Contraindicated
- Citalopram + Phenelzine Contraindicated
Other interactions of Ibutilide
- Amiodarone + Ibutilide Contraindicated
- Amisulpride + Ibutilide Contraindicated
- Chlorpromazine + Ibutilide Contraindicated
- Clarithromycin + Ibutilide Contraindicated
- Desipramine + Ibutilide Contraindicated
- Dolasetron + Ibutilide Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Citalopram with Ibutilide?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Citalopram and Ibutilide 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. Ibutilide markedly prolongs the QT interval and carries a risk of torsades de pointes. Citalopram adds a dose-related QT effect, increasing arrhythmia risk.
How serious is the interaction between Citalopram and Ibutilide?
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; if ibutilide is needed, use continuous ECG monitoring during and after infusion and ensure potassium and magnesium are normal. Consider holding citalopram around cardioversion.
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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