Drug interactions
Citalopram + Propafenone
Severity: Moderate
Citalopram and Propafenone: 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
Citalopram causes dose-dependent QT prolongation and propafenone slows cardiac conduction with proarrhythmic potential. Together they may increase the risk of ventricular arrhythmias, particularly with electrolyte disturbance or heart disease.
What this interaction means in plain words
Citalopram and Propafenone 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; Propafenone belongs to Cardiovascular.
Why it happens
Additive pharmacodynamic effects on cardiac repolarization and conduction.
What to do
Obtain a baseline ECG and monitor QTc, keeping citalopram within recommended maximum doses. Correct potassium and magnesium abnormalities and consider an alternative SSRI if QTc increases.
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 Propafenone
- Dofetilide + Propafenone Contraindicated
- Dronedarone + Propafenone Contraindicated
- Nilotinib + Propafenone Contraindicated
- Nirmatrelvir / ritonavir + Propafenone Contraindicated
- Nirmatrelvir + Propafenone Contraindicated
- Pimozide + Propafenone Contraindicated
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 Propafenone?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Citalopram and Propafenone 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 causes dose-dependent QT prolongation and propafenone slows cardiac conduction with proarrhythmic potential. Together they may increase the risk of ventricular arrhythmias, particularly with electrolyte disturbance or heart disease.
How serious is the interaction between Citalopram and Propafenone?
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 and monitor QTc, keeping citalopram within recommended maximum doses. Correct potassium and magnesium abnormalities and consider an alternative SSRI if QTc increases.
What other medicines interact with Propafenone?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Propafenone with, for example, Dofetilide, Dronedarone, Nilotinib. The full list is on the Propafenone page.
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