Drug interactions
Escitalopram + Sunitinib
Severity: Moderate
Escitalopram and Sunitinib: 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
Sunitinib prolongs the QT interval and escitalopram also has dose-related QT effects, so combined use may increase the risk of torsades de pointes. Risk is higher with electrolyte disturbances, bradycardia or cardiac disease.
What this interaction means in plain words
Escitalopram and Sunitinib 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; Sunitinib belongs to Oncology.
Why it happens
Additive effects on cardiac repolarization.
What to do
Check ECG and electrolytes at baseline and periodically during therapy, and correct hypokalemia or hypomagnesemia. Consider an alternative antidepressant with less QT effect if 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 Sunitinib
- Adagrasib + Sunitinib Major
- Amiodarone + Sunitinib Major
- Amisulpride + Sunitinib Major
- Anagrelide + Sunitinib Major
- Apalutamide + Sunitinib Major
- Arsenic trioxide + Sunitinib Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Escitalopram with Sunitinib?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Escitalopram and Sunitinib 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. Sunitinib prolongs the QT interval and escitalopram also has dose-related QT effects, so combined use may increase the risk of torsades de pointes. Risk is higher with electrolyte disturbances, bradycardia or cardiac disease.
How serious is the interaction between Escitalopram and Sunitinib?
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 ECG and electrolytes at baseline and periodically during therapy, and correct hypokalemia or hypomagnesemia. Consider an alternative antidepressant with less QT effect if 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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