Drug interactions
Escitalopram + Rifampin
Severity: Moderate
Escitalopram and Rifampin: 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
Rifampin strongly induces CYP3A4 and CYP2C19, lowering escitalopram exposure. This may reduce antidepressant efficacy and increase relapse risk.
What this interaction means in plain words
Escitalopram and Rifampin 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.
Why it happens
Induction of CYP2C19 and CYP3A4 increases escitalopram clearance.
What to do
Monitor for loss of antidepressant effect and increase the escitalopram dose if needed. Reduce the dose again after rifampin is stopped.
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
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Escitalopram with Rifampin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Escitalopram and Rifampin 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. Rifampin strongly induces CYP3A4 and CYP2C19, lowering escitalopram exposure. This may reduce antidepressant efficacy and increase relapse risk.
How serious is the interaction between Escitalopram and Rifampin?
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 for loss of antidepressant effect and increase the escitalopram dose if needed. Reduce the dose again after rifampin is stopped.
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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