Drug interactions
Citalopram + Indinavir
Severity: Moderate
Citalopram and Indinavir: 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
Indinavir is a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor and may increase citalopram exposure. Higher levels raise the risk of dose-related adverse effects, including QT prolongation.
What this interaction means in plain words
Citalopram and Indinavir 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.
Why it happens
Inhibition of CYP3A4-mediated citalopram metabolism.
What to do
Monitor for serotonergic and cardiac adverse effects and consider ECG monitoring. Use the lowest effective citalopram dose.
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
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Citalopram with Indinavir?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Citalopram and Indinavir 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. Indinavir is a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor and may increase citalopram exposure. Higher levels raise the risk of dose-related adverse effects, including QT prolongation.
How serious is the interaction between Citalopram and Indinavir?
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 ECG monitoring. Use the lowest effective citalopram dose.
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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