Drug interactions
Citalopram + Vandetanib
Severity: Contraindicated
Citalopram and Vandetanib: contraindicated 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
Vandetanib causes marked QT prolongation, with a boxed warning for torsades de pointes and sudden death. Adding citalopram, which also prolongs QT, increases that risk.
What this interaction means in plain words
Citalopram and Vandetanib are not normally used together. Taking them at the same time is expected to cause harm or make one of them unsafe, so a different medicine is usually chosen for one of the two.
Citalopram belongs to Central Nervous System; Vandetanib belongs to Oncology.
Why it happens
Additive QTc prolongation through pharmacodynamic synergy.
What to do
Avoid the combination and switch to an antidepressant with minimal QT effect, such as sertraline. If it cannot be avoided, use frequent ECG and electrolyte monitoring.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there an alternative to one of these two medicines for me?
- If both are essential, who is monitoring me and how often?
- Which symptoms mean I should stop and seek help straight away?
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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 Vandetanib
- Amiodarone + Vandetanib Contraindicated
- Amisulpride + Vandetanib Contraindicated
- Amitriptyline + Vandetanib Contraindicated
- Anagrelide + Vandetanib Contraindicated
- Asenapine + Vandetanib Contraindicated
- Chloroquine + Vandetanib Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Citalopram with Vandetanib?
MediHelp rates the interaction as contraindicated. Citalopram and Vandetanib are not normally used together. Taking them at the same time is expected to cause harm or make one of them unsafe, so a different medicine is usually chosen for one of the two. Vandetanib causes marked QT prolongation, with a boxed warning for torsades de pointes and sudden death. Adding citalopram, which also prolongs QT, increases that risk.
How serious is the interaction between Citalopram and Vandetanib?
MediHelp rates it contraindicated, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid the combination and switch to an antidepressant with minimal QT effect, such as sertraline. If it cannot be avoided, use frequent ECG and electrolyte monitoring.
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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