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Drug interactions

Citalopram + Rifapentine

Severity: Moderate

Citalopram and Rifapentine: 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

Rifapentine induces drug-metabolizing enzymes and may lower citalopram concentrations, risking reduced antidepressant effect.

What this interaction means in plain words

Citalopram and Rifapentine 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; Rifapentine belongs to Anti Bacterial.

Evidence level: Low

Why it happens

Rifapentine induces CYP3A4 and CYP2C19, increasing citalopram clearance.

What to do

Monitor depressive symptoms and adjust citalopram dose within labeled limits. Reassess after rifapentine is stopped.

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?

Bring a full list of your medicines, including over-the-counter products, supplements and herbal remedies, to every pharmacy visit.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I take Citalopram with Rifapentine?

MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Citalopram and Rifapentine 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. Rifapentine induces drug-metabolizing enzymes and may lower citalopram concentrations, risking reduced antidepressant effect.

How serious is the interaction between Citalopram and Rifapentine?

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 depressive symptoms and adjust citalopram dose within labeled limits. Reassess after rifapentine is stopped.

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.

Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app

Open the complete reference, check multi-drug interactions and use dosing tools in the MediHelp app.

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