Drug interactions
Escitalopram + Lapatinib
Severity: Moderate
Escitalopram and Lapatinib: 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
Lapatinib can prolong the QT interval and escitalopram has dose-related QT effects, so combined use may increase the risk of ventricular arrhythmia.
What this interaction means in plain words
Escitalopram and Lapatinib 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; Lapatinib belongs to Oncology.
Why it happens
Additive QT interval prolongation.
What to do
Check baseline ECG and electrolytes and monitor QTc during therapy. Consider an alternative antidepressant if the QTc becomes prolonged.
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
Other interactions of Lapatinib
- Dofetilide + Lapatinib Contraindicated
- Ibutilide + Lapatinib Contraindicated
- Lapatinib + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Lapatinib + Saquinavir Contraindicated
- Lapatinib + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Adagrasib + Lapatinib Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Escitalopram with Lapatinib?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Escitalopram and Lapatinib 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. Lapatinib can prolong the QT interval and escitalopram has dose-related QT effects, so combined use may increase the risk of ventricular arrhythmia.
How serious is the interaction between Escitalopram and Lapatinib?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Check baseline ECG and electrolytes and monitor QTc during therapy. Consider an alternative antidepressant if the QTc becomes prolonged.
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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