Drug interactions
Darunavir + Escitalopram
Severity: Moderate
Darunavir and Escitalopram: 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
Darunavir, usually boosted with ritonavir or cobicistat, inhibits CYP3A4 and may raise escitalopram exposure. This can increase serotonergic and QT-related adverse effects, although escitalopram has alternative clearance pathways.
What this interaction means in plain words
Darunavir and Escitalopram 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.
Darunavir belongs to Anti Virals; Escitalopram belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
CYP3A4 inhibition by darunavir and its booster reduces escitalopram clearance.
What to do
Start escitalopram at a low dose and titrate to response. Monitor for adverse effects and consider an ECG if other QT-prolonging drugs or risk factors are present.
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 Escitalopram
- Cisapride + Escitalopram Contraindicated
- Citalopram + Escitalopram Contraindicated
- Escitalopram + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Escitalopram + Methylene blue Contraindicated
- Escitalopram + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Escitalopram + Pimozide Contraindicated
Other interactions of Darunavir
- Alfuzosin + Darunavir Contraindicated
- Avanafil + Darunavir Contraindicated
- Darunavir + Dronedarone Contraindicated
- Darunavir + Eletriptan Contraindicated
- Darunavir + Ergotamine Contraindicated
- Darunavir + Flibanserin Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Darunavir with Escitalopram?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Darunavir and Escitalopram 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. Darunavir, usually boosted with ritonavir or cobicistat, inhibits CYP3A4 and may raise escitalopram exposure. This can increase serotonergic and QT-related adverse effects, although escitalopram has alternative clearance pathways.
How serious is the interaction between Darunavir and Escitalopram?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Start escitalopram at a low dose and titrate to response. Monitor for adverse effects and consider an ECG if other QT-prolonging drugs or risk factors are present.
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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