Drug interactions
Escitalopram + Vemurafenib
Severity: Major
Escitalopram and Vemurafenib: major 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
Vemurafenib can prolong the QT interval in an exposure-dependent way, and escitalopram has a similar effect. Co-use raises the risk of serious ventricular arrhythmias. Vemurafenib is also a CYP inducer or inhibitor of several enzymes, which adds uncertainty.
What this interaction means in plain words
Escitalopram and Vemurafenib 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; Vemurafenib belongs to Oncology.
Why it happens
Additive QT interval prolongation.
What to do
Avoid if possible, or obtain a baseline ECG and electrolytes, then repeat the ECG after starting and with dose changes. Discontinue or reduce the dose if QTc becomes markedly prolonged.
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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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 Vemurafenib
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Escitalopram with Vemurafenib?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Escitalopram and Vemurafenib 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. Vemurafenib can prolong the QT interval in an exposure-dependent way, and escitalopram has a similar effect. Co-use raises the risk of serious ventricular arrhythmias. Vemurafenib is also a CYP inducer or inhibitor of several enzymes, which adds uncertainty.
How serious is the interaction between Escitalopram and Vemurafenib?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid if possible, or obtain a baseline ECG and electrolytes, then repeat the ECG after starting and with dose changes. Discontinue or reduce the dose if QTc becomes markedly 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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