Drug interactions
Escitalopram + Moxifloxacin
Severity: Major
Escitalopram and Moxifloxacin: 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 in a dose-related way, so together they may increase the risk of torsades de pointes. Risk is greater with higher escitalopram doses, older age, hypokalemia or cardiac disease.
What this interaction means in plain words
Escitalopram and Moxifloxacin 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; Moxifloxacin belongs to Anti Bacterial.
Why it happens
Additive blockade of cardiac hERG potassium channels, prolonging ventricular repolarization.
What to do
Prefer an antibiotic without QT effect. If combined, obtain a baseline and follow-up ECG, correct electrolytes and keep escitalopram at the lowest effective dose.
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
Other interactions of Moxifloxacin
- Amiodarone + Moxifloxacin Contraindicated
- Arsenic trioxide + Moxifloxacin Contraindicated
- Disopyramide + Moxifloxacin Contraindicated
- Dofetilide + Moxifloxacin Contraindicated
- Dronedarone + Moxifloxacin Contraindicated
- Droperidol + Moxifloxacin 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 Moxifloxacin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Escitalopram and Moxifloxacin 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 in a dose-related way, so together they may increase the risk of torsades de pointes. Risk is greater with higher escitalopram doses, older age, hypokalemia or cardiac disease.
How serious is the interaction between Escitalopram and Moxifloxacin?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Prefer an antibiotic without QT effect. If combined, obtain a baseline and follow-up ECG, correct electrolytes and keep escitalopram at the lowest effective dose.
What other medicines interact with Moxifloxacin?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Moxifloxacin with, for example, Amiodarone, Arsenic trioxide, Disopyramide. The full list is on the Moxifloxacin page.
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