Drug interactions
Escitalopram + Gemtuzumab
Severity: Moderate
Escitalopram and Gemtuzumab: 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
Gemtuzumab ozogamicin has been associated with QT prolongation, and escitalopram prolongs the QT interval in a dose-related way. The combination may add to arrhythmia risk, especially with electrolyte disturbances from chemotherapy.
What this interaction means in plain words
Escitalopram and Gemtuzumab 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.
Why it happens
Additive QT prolongation.
What to do
Obtain ECGs and electrolytes at baseline and during treatment. Correct potassium and magnesium and consider an alternative antidepressant if the QT interval lengthens.
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
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Escitalopram with Gemtuzumab?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Escitalopram and Gemtuzumab 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. Gemtuzumab ozogamicin has been associated with QT prolongation, and escitalopram prolongs the QT interval in a dose-related way. The combination may add to arrhythmia risk, especially with electrolyte disturbances from chemotherapy.
How serious is the interaction between Escitalopram and Gemtuzumab?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Obtain ECGs and electrolytes at baseline and during treatment. Correct potassium and magnesium and consider an alternative antidepressant if the QT interval lengthens.
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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