Drug interactions
Citalopram + Quinine
Severity: Major
Citalopram and Quinine: 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
Citalopram causes dose-dependent QT prolongation, and quinine adds to this effect. The combination increases the risk of torsades de pointes, especially in older patients or those with cardiac disease.
What this interaction means in plain words
Citalopram and Quinine 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; Quinine belongs to Anti Parasitic.
Why it happens
Additive pharmacodynamic QT prolongation through cardiac potassium channel inhibition.
What to do
Avoid the combination if possible; if used, check the ECG and electrolytes at baseline and keep citalopram at the lowest effective dose with QTc monitoring.
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 Quinine
- Arsenic trioxide + Quinine Contraindicated
- Dofetilide + Quinine Contraindicated
- Dronedarone + Quinine Contraindicated
- Ibutilide + Quinine Contraindicated
- Mefloquine + Quinine Contraindicated
- Nilotinib + Quinine 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 Quinine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Citalopram and Quinine 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 causes dose-dependent QT prolongation, and quinine adds to this effect. The combination increases the risk of torsades de pointes, especially in older patients or those with cardiac disease.
How serious is the interaction between Citalopram and Quinine?
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 if possible; if used, check the ECG and electrolytes at baseline and keep citalopram at the lowest effective dose with QTc monitoring.
What other medicines interact with Quinine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Quinine with, for example, Arsenic trioxide, Dofetilide, Dronedarone. The full list is on the Quinine page.
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