Drug interactions
Escitalopram + Lofexidine
Severity: Moderate
Escitalopram and Lofexidine: 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
Lofexidine prolongs the QT interval and causes bradycardia and hypotension. Adding escitalopram increases the risk of arrhythmia.
What this interaction means in plain words
Escitalopram and Lofexidine 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; Lofexidine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive QT prolongation, with lofexidine bradycardia contributing to the risk.
What to do
Monitor ECG, heart rate, and blood pressure, and correct electrolytes. Avoid the combination in patients with congenital long QT or bradycardia.
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 Lofexidine
- Adagrasib + Lofexidine Major
- Alfuzosin + Lofexidine Major
- Amiodarone + Lofexidine Major
- Amisulpride + Lofexidine Major
- Anagrelide + Lofexidine Major
- Apomorphine + Lofexidine Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Escitalopram with Lofexidine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Escitalopram and Lofexidine 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. Lofexidine prolongs the QT interval and causes bradycardia and hypotension. Adding escitalopram increases the risk of arrhythmia.
How serious is the interaction between Escitalopram and Lofexidine?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor ECG, heart rate, and blood pressure, and correct electrolytes. Avoid the combination in patients with congenital long QT or bradycardia.
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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