Drug interactions
Citalopram + Lopinavir
Severity: Moderate
Citalopram and Lopinavir: 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
Lopinavir/ritonavir can prolong QT and PR intervals, and citalopram also prolongs QT. Ritonavir inhibition of CYP3A4 may also raise citalopram levels, increasing arrhythmia risk.
What this interaction means in plain words
Citalopram and Lopinavir 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; Lopinavir belongs to Anti Virals.
Why it happens
Additive QT prolongation, with possible pharmacokinetic increase in citalopram via CYP3A4 inhibition.
What to do
Obtain a baseline ECG, keep electrolytes normal, and limit the citalopram dose while monitoring QTc. Consider an alternative antidepressant in high-risk patients.
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 Lopinavir
- Alfuzosin + Lopinavir Contraindicated
- Avanafil + Lopinavir Contraindicated
- Cisapride + Lopinavir Contraindicated
- Dronedarone + Lopinavir Contraindicated
- Eletriptan + Lopinavir Contraindicated
- Eplerenone + Lopinavir Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Citalopram with Lopinavir?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Citalopram and Lopinavir 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. Lopinavir/ritonavir can prolong QT and PR intervals, and citalopram also prolongs QT. Ritonavir inhibition of CYP3A4 may also raise citalopram levels, increasing arrhythmia risk.
How serious is the interaction between Citalopram and Lopinavir?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Obtain a baseline ECG, keep electrolytes normal, and limit the citalopram dose while monitoring QTc. Consider an alternative antidepressant in high-risk patients.
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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