Drug interactions
Escitalopram + Fingolimod
Severity: Major
Escitalopram and Fingolimod: 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
Fingolimod causes bradycardia and can prolong the QT interval, and escitalopram also has QT effects. Together they may raise the risk of serious arrhythmia, particularly at treatment initiation.
What this interaction means in plain words
Escitalopram and Fingolimod 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.
Escitalopram belongs to Central Nervous System; Fingolimod belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive QT prolongation, with fingolimod-induced bradycardia increasing torsades risk.
What to do
Perform ECG before and monitor after the first fingolimod dose, and seek cardiology advice before starting in patients taking QT-prolonging drugs. Consider an alternative antidepressant if feasible.
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 Fingolimod
- Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live + Fingolimod Contraindicated
- Bcg vaccine live + Fingolimod Contraindicated
- Fingolimod + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Fingolimod + Ponesimod Contraindicated
- Fingolimod + Quinidine Contraindicated
- Fingolimod + Siponimod Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Escitalopram with Fingolimod?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Escitalopram and Fingolimod 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. Fingolimod causes bradycardia and can prolong the QT interval, and escitalopram also has QT effects. Together they may raise the risk of serious arrhythmia, particularly at treatment initiation.
How serious is the interaction between Escitalopram and Fingolimod?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Perform ECG before and monitor after the first fingolimod dose, and seek cardiology advice before starting in patients taking QT-prolonging drugs. Consider an alternative antidepressant if feasible.
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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