Drug interactions
Citalopram + Tacrolimus
Severity: Moderate
Citalopram and Tacrolimus: 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
Tacrolimus can prolong the QT interval, particularly at high concentrations or with electrolyte disturbances, and citalopram has a dose-related QT effect. Together the arrhythmia risk is increased. Tacrolimus-induced hypomagnesemia and hyperkalemia can further contribute.
What this interaction means in plain words
Citalopram and Tacrolimus 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; Tacrolimus belongs to Miscellaneous.
Why it happens
Additive pharmacodynamic QT prolongation.
What to do
Monitor ECG and electrolytes, especially magnesium and potassium, and keep tacrolimus levels in the target range. Use the lowest effective citalopram 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 Tacrolimus
- Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live + Tacrolimus Contraindicated
- Bcg vaccine live + Tacrolimus Contraindicated
- Cidofovir + Tacrolimus Contraindicated
- Cyclosporin + Tacrolimus Contraindicated
- Influenza virus vaccine quadrivalent intranasal + Tacrolimus Contraindicated
- Measles mumps and rubella vaccine live + Tacrolimus Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Citalopram with Tacrolimus?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Citalopram and Tacrolimus 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. Tacrolimus can prolong the QT interval, particularly at high concentrations or with electrolyte disturbances, and citalopram has a dose-related QT effect. Together the arrhythmia risk is increased. Tacrolimus-induced hypomagnesemia and hyperkalemia can further contribute.
How serious is the interaction between Citalopram and Tacrolimus?
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 ECG and electrolytes, especially magnesium and potassium, and keep tacrolimus levels in the target range. Use the lowest effective citalopram 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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