Drug interactions
Crizotinib + Escitalopram
Severity: Major
Crizotinib and Escitalopram: major 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
Crizotinib can prolong the QT interval and cause bradycardia, and escitalopram adds to QT prolongation. The combination increases the risk of serious ventricular arrhythmia.
What this interaction means in plain words
Crizotinib and Escitalopram 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.
Crizotinib belongs to Oncology; Escitalopram belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive pharmacodynamic QT prolongation.
What to do
Avoid if an alternative exists. If used together, monitor ECG and electrolytes regularly and reduce or stop crizotinib per labeling if QTc becomes significantly 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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Other interactions of Escitalopram
- Cisapride + Escitalopram Contraindicated
- Citalopram + Escitalopram Contraindicated
- Escitalopram + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Escitalopram + Methylene blue Contraindicated
- Escitalopram + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Escitalopram + Pimozide Contraindicated
Other interactions of Crizotinib
- Crizotinib + Flibanserin Contraindicated
- Crizotinib + Lomitapide Contraindicated
- Crizotinib + Lonafarnib Contraindicated
- Crizotinib + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Crizotinib + Saquinavir Contraindicated
- Crizotinib + Thioridazine Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Crizotinib with Escitalopram?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Crizotinib and Escitalopram 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. Crizotinib can prolong the QT interval and cause bradycardia, and escitalopram adds to QT prolongation. The combination increases the risk of serious ventricular arrhythmia.
How serious is the interaction between Crizotinib and Escitalopram?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid if an alternative exists. If used together, monitor ECG and electrolytes regularly and reduce or stop crizotinib per labeling if QTc becomes significantly prolonged.
What other medicines interact with Escitalopram?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Escitalopram with, for example, Cisapride, Citalopram, Isocarboxazid. The full list is on the Escitalopram page.
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