Drug interactions
Disopyramide + Escitalopram
Severity: Major
Disopyramide and Escitalopram: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: UK SmPC
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
Disopyramide is a class Ia antiarrhythmic with marked QT-prolonging and proarrhythmic effects, and escitalopram adds to this. The combination can precipitate torsades de pointes.
What this interaction means in plain words
Disopyramide 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.
Disopyramide belongs to Cardiovascular; Escitalopram belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive prolongation of cardiac repolarization via potassium channel blockade.
What to do
Avoid the combination where possible and use an antidepressant with less QT effect such as sertraline; if it must be used, monitor ECG and electrolytes closely.
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?
Pro+ members
Unlock the full page
Create an account and start a Pro+ trial to unlock the full management advice for Disopyramide and Escitalopram, the additional notes, the evidence detail and the whole-prescription interaction checker.
- Full clinical management advice
- Additional notes
- Evidence detail
- Interaction checker for a whole prescription
Try Pro+ free for 7 days on the web. No card needed.
References
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 Disopyramide
- Amisulpride + Disopyramide Contraindicated
- Desipramine + Disopyramide Contraindicated
- Disopyramide + Dronedarone Contraindicated
- Disopyramide + Itraconazole Contraindicated
- Disopyramide + Ketoconazole Contraindicated
- Disopyramide + Maprotiline Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Disopyramide with Escitalopram?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Disopyramide 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. Disopyramide is a class Ia antiarrhythmic with marked QT-prolonging and proarrhythmic effects, and escitalopram adds to this. The combination can precipitate torsades de pointes.
How serious is the interaction between Disopyramide 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 the combination where possible and use an antidepressant with less QT effect such as sertraline; if it must be used, monitor ECG and electrolytes closely.
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.
Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app
Open the complete reference, check multi-drug interactions and use dosing tools in the MediHelp app.
