Drug interactions
Citalopram + Imatinib
Severity: Moderate
Citalopram and Imatinib: 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
Imatinib inhibits CYP3A4 and CYP2D6, which can raise citalopram exposure modestly because CYP3A4 contributes to its clearance. Higher citalopram concentrations increase the risk of dose-related QT prolongation and serotonergic adverse effects. Imatinib itself has been associated with QT effects in some patients.
What this interaction means in plain words
Citalopram and Imatinib 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; Imatinib belongs to Oncology.
Why it happens
Imatinib inhibits CYP3A4 (and CYP2D6), reducing citalopram metabolism and raising its plasma concentrations.
What to do
Monitor for serotonergic and cardiac adverse effects and consider an ECG at baseline and after starting. Keep citalopram at the lowest effective dose and correct potassium and magnesium abnormalities.
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 Citalopram
- Cisapride + Citalopram Contraindicated
- Citalopram + Dronedarone Contraindicated
- Citalopram + Escitalopram Contraindicated
- Citalopram + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Citalopram + Methylene blue Contraindicated
- Citalopram + Phenelzine Contraindicated
Other interactions of Imatinib
- Imatinib + Lomitapide Contraindicated
- Imatinib + Lonafarnib Contraindicated
- Amobarbital + Imatinib Major
- Apalutamide + Imatinib Major
- Avapritinib + Imatinib Major
- Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen + Imatinib Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Citalopram with Imatinib?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Citalopram and Imatinib 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. Imatinib inhibits CYP3A4 and CYP2D6, which can raise citalopram exposure modestly because CYP3A4 contributes to its clearance. Higher citalopram concentrations increase the risk of dose-related QT prolongation and serotonergic adverse effects. Imatinib itself has been associated with QT effects in some patients.
How serious is the interaction between Citalopram and Imatinib?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor for serotonergic and cardiac adverse effects and consider an ECG at baseline and after starting. Keep citalopram at the lowest effective dose and correct potassium and magnesium abnormalities.
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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