Drug interactions
Citalopram + Nelfinavir
Severity: Moderate
Citalopram and Nelfinavir: 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
Nelfinavir may raise citalopram plasma concentrations, although CYP3A4 is only one of several pathways clearing citalopram. Higher exposure increases the risk of dose-related QT prolongation and serotonergic adverse effects.
What this interaction means in plain words
Citalopram and Nelfinavir 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; Nelfinavir belongs to Anti Virals.
Why it happens
Nelfinavir inhibits CYP3A4, a secondary pathway of citalopram metabolism, which may modestly increase citalopram levels.
What to do
Monitor for serotonergic and cardiac adverse effects and consider an ECG if citalopram doses are high or other QT-prolonging drugs are used. Keep citalopram at the lowest effective 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
Other interactions of Nelfinavir
- Alfuzosin + Nelfinavir Contraindicated
- Avanafil + Nelfinavir Contraindicated
- Dronedarone + Nelfinavir Contraindicated
- Eletriptan + Nelfinavir Contraindicated
- Ergotamine + Nelfinavir Contraindicated
- Flibanserin + Nelfinavir Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Citalopram with Nelfinavir?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Citalopram and Nelfinavir 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. Nelfinavir may raise citalopram plasma concentrations, although CYP3A4 is only one of several pathways clearing citalopram. Higher exposure increases the risk of dose-related QT prolongation and serotonergic adverse effects.
How serious is the interaction between Citalopram and Nelfinavir?
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 if citalopram doses are high or other QT-prolonging drugs are used. Keep citalopram at the lowest effective 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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