Drug interactions
Escitalopram + Lopinavir
Severity: Moderate
Escitalopram and Lopinavir: 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
Lopinavir/ritonavir can prolong QT and PR intervals, and escitalopram also prolongs QT in a dose-related way. Together they may increase arrhythmia risk, and ritonavir may also raise escitalopram levels.
What this interaction means in plain words
Escitalopram and Lopinavir 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; Lopinavir belongs to Anti Virals.
Why it happens
Additive QT prolongation, with possible CYP3A4 inhibition raising escitalopram exposure.
What to do
Obtain a baseline ECG and monitor QTc and electrolytes. Keep escitalopram at the lowest effective dose and consider an alternative if the QTc rises significantly.
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 Lopinavir
- Alfuzosin + Lopinavir Contraindicated
- Avanafil + Lopinavir Contraindicated
- Cisapride + Lopinavir Contraindicated
- Dronedarone + Lopinavir Contraindicated
- Eletriptan + Lopinavir Contraindicated
- Eplerenone + Lopinavir Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Escitalopram with Lopinavir?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Escitalopram and Lopinavir 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. Lopinavir/ritonavir can prolong QT and PR intervals, and escitalopram also prolongs QT in a dose-related way. Together they may increase arrhythmia risk, and ritonavir may also raise escitalopram levels.
How serious is the interaction between Escitalopram and Lopinavir?
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 electrolytes. Keep escitalopram at the lowest effective dose and consider an alternative if the QTc rises significantly.
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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