Drug interactions
Escitalopram + Itraconazole
Severity: Moderate
Escitalopram and Itraconazole: 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
Itraconazole can raise escitalopram exposure, and both drugs are associated with QT interval prolongation. The combination may increase the risk of QT prolongation and arrhythmia, especially with other risk factors.
What this interaction means in plain words
Escitalopram and Itraconazole 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.
Escitalopram belongs to Central Nervous System; Itraconazole belongs to Anti Fungals.
Why it happens
Itraconazole inhibits CYP3A4 (a minor pathway for escitalopram) and both drugs have additive QT-prolonging effects.
What to do
Obtain a baseline ECG and monitor QTc, and correct potassium and magnesium abnormalities. Consider a lower escitalopram dose or an alternative antifungal if QTc 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 Itraconazole
- Alfuzosin + Itraconazole Contraindicated
- Alprazolam + Itraconazole Contraindicated
- Avanafil + Itraconazole Contraindicated
- Conivaptan + Itraconazole Contraindicated
- Dihydroergotamine intranasal + Itraconazole Contraindicated
- Dihydroergotamine + Itraconazole Contraindicated
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 Itraconazole?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Escitalopram and Itraconazole 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. Itraconazole can raise escitalopram exposure, and both drugs are associated with QT interval prolongation. The combination may increase the risk of QT prolongation and arrhythmia, especially with other risk factors.
How serious is the interaction between Escitalopram and Itraconazole?
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 a baseline ECG and monitor QTc, and correct potassium and magnesium abnormalities. Consider a lower escitalopram dose or an alternative antifungal if QTc lengthens.
What other medicines interact with Itraconazole?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Itraconazole with, for example, Alfuzosin, Alprazolam, Avanafil. The full list is on the Itraconazole page.
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