Drug interactions
Eliglustat + Escitalopram
Severity: Major
Eliglustat 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
Both drugs can prolong the QT interval, and eliglustat exposure rises markedly in CYP2D6 poor metabolizers or with CYP2D6 inhibitors. Escitalopram is a weak CYP2D6 inhibitor and QT-prolonging, so the combination may raise arrhythmia risk.
What this interaction means in plain words
Eliglustat 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.
Eliglustat belongs to Miscellaneous; Escitalopram belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive QT prolongation, with possible increase in eliglustat levels through weak CYP2D6 inhibition.
What to do
Avoid the combination where possible, particularly in CYP2D6 poor metabolizers or patients with cardiac disease. If used, obtain a baseline and follow-up ECG and correct electrolytes.
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 Eliglustat
- Amiodarone + Eliglustat Contraindicated
- Clarithromycin + Eliglustat Contraindicated
- Dronedarone + Eliglustat Contraindicated
- Eliglustat + Itraconazole Contraindicated
- Eliglustat + Ketoconazole Contraindicated
- Eliglustat + Pimozide Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Eliglustat with Escitalopram?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Eliglustat 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. Both drugs can prolong the QT interval, and eliglustat exposure rises markedly in CYP2D6 poor metabolizers or with CYP2D6 inhibitors. Escitalopram is a weak CYP2D6 inhibitor and QT-prolonging, so the combination may raise arrhythmia risk.
How serious is the interaction between Eliglustat 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, particularly in CYP2D6 poor metabolizers or patients with cardiac disease. If used, obtain a baseline and follow-up ECG and correct electrolytes.
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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