Drug interactions
Citalopram + Sunitinib
Severity: Major
Citalopram and Sunitinib: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: Health Canada product monograph
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
Sunitinib can prolong the QT interval and cause torsades de pointes, and citalopram adds to this effect. The combination increases the risk of serious ventricular arrhythmia.
What this interaction means in plain words
Citalopram and Sunitinib 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; Sunitinib belongs to Oncology.
Why it happens
Additive pharmacodynamic QT prolongation.
What to do
Obtain a baseline ECG and monitor it with electrolytes during therapy. Choose a lower-risk antidepressant if the QTc becomes prolonged.
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 Sunitinib
- Adagrasib + Sunitinib Major
- Amiodarone + Sunitinib Major
- Amisulpride + Sunitinib Major
- Anagrelide + Sunitinib Major
- Apalutamide + Sunitinib Major
- Arsenic trioxide + Sunitinib Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Citalopram with Sunitinib?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Citalopram and Sunitinib 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. Sunitinib can prolong the QT interval and cause torsades de pointes, and citalopram adds to this effect. The combination increases the risk of serious ventricular arrhythmia.
How serious is the interaction between Citalopram and Sunitinib?
MediHelp rates it major, 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 it with electrolytes during therapy. Choose a lower-risk antidepressant if the QTc becomes prolonged.
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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