Drug interactions
Citalopram + Rilpivirine
Severity: Moderate
Citalopram and Rilpivirine: 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
Rilpivirine at supratherapeutic doses prolongs the QT interval, and citalopram has a dose-dependent QT effect. The combination may modestly increase arrhythmia risk, especially with other risk factors.
What this interaction means in plain words
Citalopram and Rilpivirine 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; Rilpivirine belongs to Anti Virals.
Why it happens
Additive QT prolongation.
What to do
Consider baseline ECG and electrolyte checks in patients with cardiac risk factors. Keep citalopram at the lowest effective dose.
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 Citalopram
- Cisapride + Citalopram Contraindicated
- Citalopram + Dronedarone Contraindicated
- Citalopram + Escitalopram Contraindicated
- Citalopram + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Citalopram + Methylene blue Contraindicated
- Citalopram + Phenelzine Contraindicated
Other interactions of Rilpivirine
- Carbamazepine + Rilpivirine Contraindicated
- Dexamethasone + Rilpivirine Contraindicated
- Dexlansoprazole + Rilpivirine Contraindicated
- Efavirenz + Rilpivirine Contraindicated
- Eslicarbazepine + Rilpivirine Contraindicated
- Esomeprazole + Rilpivirine Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Citalopram with Rilpivirine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Citalopram and Rilpivirine 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. Rilpivirine at supratherapeutic doses prolongs the QT interval, and citalopram has a dose-dependent QT effect. The combination may modestly increase arrhythmia risk, especially with other risk factors.
How serious is the interaction between Citalopram and Rilpivirine?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Consider baseline ECG and electrolyte checks in patients with cardiac risk factors. Keep citalopram at the lowest effective dose.
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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