Drug interactions
Escitalopram + Iloperidone
Severity: Major
Escitalopram and Iloperidone: 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
Both drugs prolong the QT interval, and used together they may increase the risk of torsades de pointes. The risk is greater with electrolyte disturbances, bradycardia or underlying cardiac disease.
What this interaction means in plain words
Escitalopram and Iloperidone 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; Iloperidone belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive QT interval prolongation through pharmacodynamic synergy.
What to do
Avoid the combination where possible. If both are needed, obtain a baseline ECG, correct potassium and magnesium, and monitor the QTc periodically.
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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References
- Escitalopram 10 mg film-coated tablets - SmPC sections 4.3/4.5 (class statement: antipsychotics; "medicinal products that prolong the QT interval, such as Class IA and III antiarrhythmics, antipsychotics (e.g. phenothiazine derivatives, pimozide, haloperidol") — electronic medicines compendium (UK SmPC)
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 Iloperidone
- Iloperidone + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Alfuzosin + Iloperidone Major
- Amiodarone + Iloperidone Major
- Amisulpride + Iloperidone Major
- Amitriptyline + Iloperidone Major
- Anagrelide + Iloperidone Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Escitalopram with Iloperidone?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Escitalopram and Iloperidone 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 prolong the QT interval, and used together they may increase the risk of torsades de pointes. The risk is greater with electrolyte disturbances, bradycardia or underlying cardiac disease.
How serious is the interaction between Escitalopram and Iloperidone?
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. If both are needed, obtain a baseline ECG, correct potassium and magnesium, and monitor the QTc periodically.
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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