Drug interactions
Citalopram + Pentamidine
Severity: Major
Citalopram and Pentamidine: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: US FDA label
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
Systemic pentamidine can prolong the QT interval and has been linked to torsades de pointes. Added to citalopram, this raises the likelihood of a dangerous arrhythmia, particularly with electrolyte disturbance.
What this interaction means in plain words
Citalopram and Pentamidine 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; Pentamidine belongs to Anti Parasitic.
Why it happens
Additive QT prolongation through delayed cardiac repolarization.
What to do
Avoid the combination where possible; if needed, check a baseline and follow-up ECG and correct potassium and magnesium. Consider temporarily switching to a non-QT-prolonging antidepressant.
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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References
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 Pentamidine
- Clomipramine + Pentamidine Contraindicated
- Desipramine + Pentamidine Contraindicated
- Dronedarone + Pentamidine Contraindicated
- Moxifloxacin + Pentamidine Contraindicated
- Nortriptyline + Pentamidine Contraindicated
- Pentamidine + Pimozide Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Citalopram with Pentamidine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Citalopram and Pentamidine 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. Systemic pentamidine can prolong the QT interval and has been linked to torsades de pointes. Added to citalopram, this raises the likelihood of a dangerous arrhythmia, particularly with electrolyte disturbance.
How serious is the interaction between Citalopram and Pentamidine?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid the combination where possible; if needed, check a baseline and follow-up ECG and correct potassium and magnesium. Consider temporarily switching to a non-QT-prolonging antidepressant.
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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