Drug interactions
Citalopram + Oxaliplatin
Severity: Major
Citalopram and Oxaliplatin: major 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
Oxaliplatin has been associated with QT prolongation and torsades de pointes, and it often causes electrolyte losses through vomiting and diarrhea. With citalopram the arrhythmia risk is increased.
What this interaction means in plain words
Citalopram and Oxaliplatin can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Citalopram belongs to Central Nervous System; Oxaliplatin belongs to Oncology.
Why it happens
Additive QT prolongation, aggravated by chemotherapy-related electrolyte disturbances.
What to do
Check ECG, potassium, magnesium and calcium before and during chemotherapy and correct abnormalities. Consider an alternative antidepressant with less QT effect, such as sertraline, if the patient has other risk factors.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
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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 Oxaliplatin
- Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live + Oxaliplatin Contraindicated
- Bcg vaccine live + Oxaliplatin Contraindicated
- Influenza virus vaccine quadrivalent intranasal + Oxaliplatin Contraindicated
- Measles mumps and rubella vaccine live + Oxaliplatin Contraindicated
- Measles mumps and rubella vaccine + Oxaliplatin Contraindicated
- Measles mumps rubella and varicella vaccine live + Oxaliplatin Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Citalopram with Oxaliplatin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Citalopram and Oxaliplatin can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Oxaliplatin has been associated with QT prolongation and torsades de pointes, and it often causes electrolyte losses through vomiting and diarrhea. With citalopram the arrhythmia risk is increased.
How serious is the interaction between Citalopram and Oxaliplatin?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Check ECG, potassium, magnesium and calcium before and during chemotherapy and correct abnormalities. Consider an alternative antidepressant with less QT effect, such as sertraline, if the patient has other risk factors.
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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