Drug interactions
Citalopram + Lumacaftor / ivacaftor
Severity: Moderate
Citalopram and Lumacaftor / ivacaftor: 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
Lumacaftor is a strong CYP3A inducer and may induce CYP2C19, lowering citalopram concentrations and possibly reducing efficacy. Ivacaftor may inhibit CYP2C19 weakly, but net effect is likely reduced exposure.
What this interaction means in plain words
Citalopram and Lumacaftor / ivacaftor 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
Induction of CYP3A4 and CYP2C19 increases citalopram metabolism.
What to do
Monitor for loss of antidepressant response and titrate citalopram upward as needed within labeled limits. Reassess dose if lumacaftor/ivacaftor is stopped.
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 Lumacaftor / ivacaftor?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Citalopram and Lumacaftor / ivacaftor 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. Lumacaftor is a strong CYP3A inducer and may induce CYP2C19, lowering citalopram concentrations and possibly reducing efficacy. Ivacaftor may inhibit CYP2C19 weakly, but net effect is likely reduced exposure.
How serious is the interaction between Citalopram and Lumacaftor / ivacaftor?
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 loss of antidepressant response and titrate citalopram upward as needed within labeled limits. Reassess dose if lumacaftor/ivacaftor is stopped.
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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