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Citalopram (Monograph)

Brand name: CeleXA
Drug class: Selective Serotonin-reuptake Inhibitors
- Serotonin-reuptake Inhibitors
- SSRIs
VA class: CN609
Chemical name: 1-[3-(Dimethylamino)-propyl]-1-(p-fluorophenyl)-5-phthalancarbonitrile
Molecular formula: C20H21FN2O
CAS number: 59729-33-8

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Sep 15, 2023. Written by ASHP.

Warning

    Suicidality
  • Antidepressants increased risk of suicidal thinking and behavior (suicidality) compared with placebo in children, adolescents, and young adults (18–24 years of age) with major depressive disorder and other psychiatric disorders; balance this risk with clinical need. Citalopram is not approved for use in pediatric patients. (See Pediatric Use under Cautions.)

  • In pooled data analyses, risk of suicidality was not increased in adults >24 years of age and was reduced in adults ≥65 years of age with antidepressants compared with placebo.

  • Depression and certain other psychiatric disorders are themselves associated with an increased risk of suicide.

  • Appropriately monitor and closely observe all patients who are started on citalopram therapy for clinical worsening, suicidality, or unusual changes in behavior; involve family members and/or caregivers in this process. (See Worsening of Depression and Suicidality Risk under Cautions.)

Introduction

Antidepressant; selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitor (SSRI).

Uses for Citalopram

Major Depressive Disorder

Management of major depressive disorder.

Manufacturers state efficacy in hospital settings not established. However, efficacy has been demonstrated in hospitalized patients with depression, including severe depression, in several studies.

APA states that effectiveness of antidepressants is generally comparable between and within classes of medications, including SSRIs, SNRIs, TCAs, MAO inhibitors, and other antidepressants (e.g., bupropion, mirtazapine, trazodone). Choose antidepressant based mainly on the following factors: patient preference; nature of prior response to medication; safety, tolerability, and anticipated adverse effects; concurrent psychiatric and medical conditions; specific properties of the medication (e.g., half-life, actions on CYP isoenzymes, other drug interactions); and cost. For most patients, an SSRI, SNRI, mirtazapine, or bupropion is considered optimal. Consult APA’s Practice Guidelines for the Treatment of Patients with Major Depressive Disorder for additional information.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Has been used in the management of obsessive-compulsive disorder [off-label].

Panic Disorder

Has been used in the management of panic disorder [off-label] with or without agoraphobia [off-label].

Social Phobia

Has been used in the management of social phobia [off-label] (social anxiety disorder).

Alcohol Dependence

Has been used in the management of alcohol dependence [off-label].

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder

Has been used in the management of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (previously late luteal phase dysphoric disorder).

Premature Ejaculation

Has been used for the management of premature ejaculation.

May be less effective than some other SSRIs (e.g., paroxetine).

Eating Disorders

Has been used in the management of bulimia nervosa or anorexia nervosa with equivocal efficacy.

Diabetic Neuropathy

Has been used in the management of diabetic neuropathy.

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

Has been used in a limited number of adults with civilian- or combat-related posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Citalopram Dosage and Administration

General

Administration

Oral Administration

Administer orally once daily (morning or evening) without regard to meals.

Dosage

Available as citalopram hydrobromide; dosages expressed in terms of citalopram.

Adults

Major Depressive Disorder
Oral

Recommended initial dosage is 20 mg once daily, with an increase to a maximum dosage of 40 mg once daily at an interval of not <1 week. Although prescribing information previously stated that certain patients may require 60 mg daily, dosages >40 mg once daily no longer are recommended because of risk of QT-interval prolongation and because they provide no additional therapeutic benefit. (See QT-interval Prolongation and Torsades de Pointes under Cautions.)

Optimum duration not established; may require several months of therapy or longer. Periodically reassess need for continued therapy.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder†
Oral

Initially, 20 mg once daily. Gradually increase dosage according to clinical response.

Maintenance dosages of 40–60 mg daily have been used; however, dosages >40 mg once daily no longer recommended due to risk of QT-interval prolongation. (See QT-interval Prolongation and Torsades de Pointes under Cautions.)

Panic Disorder†
Oral

Usual initial dosage: 10 mg daily. Increase dosage after ≥1 week in 10- or 20-mg increments up to a dosage of 20–40 mg daily, depending on individual patient response and tolerability.

Usual maintenance dosage: 20–30 mg daily. Dosages >40 mg once daily no longer recommended due to risk of QT-interval prolongation. (See QT-interval Prolongation and Torsades de Pointes under Cautions.)

Prescribing Limits

Adults

Oral

Maximum recommended dosage is 40 mg once daily. (See QT-interval Prolongation and Torsades de Pointes under Cautions.)

Special Populations

Hepatic Impairment

Major Depressive Disorder
Oral

Maximum recommended dosage is 20 mg once daily. (See QT-interval Prolongation and Torsades de Pointes under Cautions.)

Renal Impairment

Major Depressive Disorder
Oral

No dosage adjustment necessary in patients with mild to moderate renal impairment. Dosage adjustment may not be necessary in patients with severe renal impairment, but caution is recommended. (See Elimination: Special Populations, under Pharmacokinetics.)

Geriatric Patients

In patients >60 years of age, maximum recommended dosage is 20 mg once daily. (See QT-interval Prolongation and Torsades de Pointes under Cautions.)

Poor CYP2C19 Metabolizers or Patients Receiving CYP2C19 Inhibitors

Maximum recommended dosage is 20 mg once daily. (See QT-interval Prolongation and Torsades de Pointes under Cautions and also see Interactions.)

Cautions for Citalopram

Contraindications

Warnings/Precautions

Warnings

Worsening of Depression and Suicidality Risk

Possible worsening of depression and/or the emergence of suicidal ideation and behavior (suicidality) or unusual changes in behavior in both adult and pediatric patients with major depressive disorder, whether or not they are taking antidepressants; may persist until clinically important remission occurs. However, suicide is a known risk of depression and certain other psychiatric disorders, and these disorders themselves are the strongest predictors of suicide.

Appropriately monitor and closely observe patients receiving citalopram for any reason, particularly during initiation of therapy (i.e., the first few months) and during periods of dosage adjustments. (See Boxed Warning and also see Pediatric Use under Cautions.)

Anxiety, agitation, panic attacks, insomnia, irritability, hostility, aggressiveness, impulsivity, akathisia, hypomania, and/or mania may be precursors to emerging suicidality. Consider changing or discontinuing therapy in patients whose depression is persistently worse or in those with emerging suicidality or symptoms that might be precursors to worsening depression or suicidality, particularly if severe, abrupt in onset, or not part of patient’s presenting symptoms. If decision is made to discontinue therapy, taper citalopram dosage as rapidly as is feasible but consider risks of abrupt discontinuance. (See General under Dosage and Administration.)

Prescribe in smallest quantity consistent with good patient management to reduce risk of overdosage.

Observe these precautions for patients with psychiatric (e.g., major depressive disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder) or nonpsychiatric disorders.

Sensitivity Reactions

Hypersensitivity Reactions

Possible anaphylaxis, allergic reactions, and angioedema.

If hypersensitivity reaction occurs, discontinue immediately and institute appropriate therapy as indicated.

Other Warnings and Precautions

QT-interval Prolongation and Torsades de Pointes

Causes dose-dependent QTc-interval prolongation; postmarketing cases of torsades de pointes, ventricular tachycardia, and sudden death reported.

Do not use citalopram dosages >40 mg daily. Use not recommended in patients with congenital long QT syndrome, bradycardia, hypokalemia or hypomagnesemia, recent AMI, or uncompensated heart failure. Do not use in patients receiving other drugs known to prolong the QTc interval. (See Interactions.)

Maximum dosage of 20 mg daily in patients who are poor metabolizers of CYP2C19 and in patients receiving a CYP2C19 inhibitor, patients with hepatic impairment, and in patients >60 years of age since higher citalopram exposures increase risk of QT-interval prolongation and torsades de pointes.

In patients at risk for clinically important electrolyte disturbances, obtain baseline and periodic serum potassium and magnesium measurements. Correct hypokalemia and/or hypomagnesemia before citalopram administration because of increased risk of QTc-interval prolongation and arrhythmias. ECG monitoring recommended in patients in whom citalopram is not recommended but considered essential (e.g., patients with cardiac conditions mentioned above, those receiving other drugs known to prolong the QTc interval).

Discontinue citalopram in patients with persistent QTc measurements >500 msec. If patient experiences symptoms indicating cardiac arrhythmias (e.g., dizziness, palpitations, syncope), initiate further evaluation, including cardiac monitoring.

Bipolar Disorder

May unmask bipolar disorder. (See Activation of Mania or Hypomania under Cautions.) Citalopram is not approved for use in treating bipolar depression.

Screen for risk of bipolar disorder by obtaining detailed psychiatric history (e.g., family history of suicide, bipolar disorder, depression) prior to initiating therapy.

Serotonin Syndrome

Potentially life-threatening serotonin syndrome reported with SSRIs and SNRIs alone, but particularly during concurrent therapy with other serotonergic drugs (e.g., 5-HT1 receptor agonists [“triptans”], TCAs, buspirone, fentanyl, lithium, tramadol, tryptophan, St. John's wort [Hypericum perforatum]) and with drugs that impair the metabolism of serotonin (particularly MAO inhibitors, both those used to treat psychiatric disorders and others, such as linezolid and methylene blue). (See Interactions.)

Symptoms of serotonin syndrome may include mental status changes (e.g., agitation, hallucinations, delirium, coma), autonomic instability (e.g., tachycardia, labile BP, dizziness, diaphoresis, flushing, hyperthermia), neuromuscular symptoms (e.g., tremor, rigidity, myoclonus, hyperreflexia, incoordination), seizures, and/or GI symptoms (e.g., nausea, vomiting, diarrhea).

Citalopram is contraindicated in patients who are currently receiving or have recently (i.e., within 2 weeks) received therapy with MAO inhibitors intended to treat psychiatric disorders. Do not initiate citalopram in patients treated with other MAO inhibitors such as linezolid or IV methylene blue. (See Specific Drugs under Interactions.)

If concurrent therapy with other serotonergic drugs is clinically warranted, advise patient of potentially increased risk for serotonin syndrome, particularly during initiation of therapy and dosage increases.

Monitor patients receiving citalopram for the development of serotonin syndrome. If manifestations occur, immediately discontinue citalopram and any concurrently administered serotonergic agents and initiate supportive and symptomatic treatment.

Angle-closure Glaucoma

Pupillary dilation (mydriasis) occurs with many antidepressants, including citalopram, and may trigger an acute attack of angle-closure glaucoma (narrow-angle glaucoma) in patients with anatomically narrow angles who do not have a patent iridectomy. (See Advice to Patients.)

Withdrawal of Therapy

Withdrawal effects (e.g., dysphoric mood, irritability, agitation, dizziness, sensory disturbances [e.g., paresthesias, such as electric shock sensations], anxiety, confusion, headache, lethargy, emotional lability, insomnia, hypomania) reported following discontinuance of serotonergic antidepressants, particularly when discontinuance was abrupt. Events generally self-limiting, but serious cases reported.

Abnormal Bleeding

Possible increased risk of bleeding with SSRIs, including citalopram, and SNRIs; events ranged from ecchymoses, hematomas, epistaxis, and petechiae to life-threatening hemorrhages. Concomitant use of aspirin, NSAIAs, warfarin, or other anticoagulants may increase risk. (See Drugs Affecting Hemostasis under Interactions and also see Advice to Patients.)

Hyponatremia/SIADH

Possible hyponatremia during treatment with SSRIs, including citalopram, and SNRIs; in many cases, hyponatremia appears to be due to SIADH. Increased risk in patients who are volume depleted, elderly, or taking diuretics. Initiate appropriate medical intervention and consider drug discontinuance in patients with symptomatic hyponatremia.

Activation of Mania/Hypomania

Possible activation of mania/hypomania; use with caution in patients with a history of mania. (See Bipolar Disorder under Cautions.)

Seizures

Risk of seizures not systematically evaluated; use with caution in patients with a history of seizure disorder.

Cognitive/Motor Impairment

Citalopram did not impair intellectual function or psychomotor performance in healthy individuals. However, any psychoactive drug may impair judgment, thinking, or motor skills. (See Advice to Patients.)

Concomitant Disease

Limited experience with certain concurrent systemic diseases. (See QT-interval Prolongation and Torsades de Pointes under Cautions.)

Prescribing and Dispensing Precautions

Ensure accuracy of prescription; similarity in spelling of Celexa (citalopram hydrobromide), Celebrex (celecoxib), and Cerebyx (fosphenytoin sodium) may result in errors.

Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)

Effects of concomitant use with ECT have not been systematically evaluated.

Specific Populations

Pregnancy

Category C.

Possible complications, sometimes severe and requiring prolonged hospitalization, respiratory support, enteral nutrition, and other forms of supportive care, reported in neonates exposed to citalopram, other SSRIs, or SNRIs late in the third trimester; may arise immediately upon delivery. (See General under Dosage and Administration.)

Conflicting findings from available studies evaluating possible risk of persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN) following in utero exposure to SSRIs; currently unclear whether SSRI use during pregnancy can cause PPHN.

Consult joint APA and ACOG guidelines (at [Web]) for additional information on management of depression in women prior to conception and during pregnancy, including treatment algorithms.

Effect on labor and delivery unknown.

Lactation

Distributed into milk; possible serious adverse reactions (e.g., excessive somnolence, decreased feeding, weight loss) in nursing infants. Discontinue nursing or the drug.

Pediatric Use

Safety and efficacy not established in children <18 years of age. Results of 2 placebo-controlled trials in children and adolescents with major depressive disorder did not support a claim of efficacy for use of citalopram in pediatric patients with this condition.

FDA warns that a greater risk of suicidal thinking or behavior (suicidality) occurred during the first few months of antidepressant treatment compared with placebo in children and adolescents with major depressive disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), or other psychiatric disorders based on pooled analyses of 24 short-term, placebo-controlled trials of 9 antidepressant drugs (SSRIs and others). However, a more recent meta-analysis of 27 placebo-controlled trials of 9 antidepressants (SSRIs and others) in patients <19 years of age with major depressive disorder, OCD, or non-OCD anxiety disorders suggests that the benefits of antidepressant therapy in treating these conditions may outweigh the risks of suicidal behavior or suicidal ideation. No suicides occurred in these pediatric trials.

Carefully consider these findings when assessing potential benefits and risks of citalopram in a child or adolescent for any clinical use. (See Suicidality in the Boxed Warning and also see Worsening of Depression and Suicidality Risk under Cautions.)

Decreased appetite and weight loss observed with use of SSRIs; monitor weight and growth regularly in children and adolescents treated with long-term citalopram therapy.

Geriatric Use

No substantial differences in safety and efficacy relative to younger adults.

Higher citalopram exposures may increase risk of QT-interval prolongation and torsades de pointes. (See Geriatric Patients under Dosage and Administration and also see Special Populations under Pharmacokinetics.)

Clinically important hyponatremia reported in geriatric patients, who may be at increased risk for this adverse effect. Some clinicians recommend periodic monitoring (especially during the first several months) of serum sodium concentrations in geriatric patients receiving SSRIs. (See Hyponatremia/SIADH under Cautions.)

In pooled data analyses, a reduced risk of suicidality was observed in adults ≥65 years of age with antidepressant therapy compared with placebo. (See Boxed Warning and also see Worsening of Depression and Suicidality Risk under Cautions.)

Hepatic Impairment

Higher citalopram exposures may increase risk of QT-interval prolongation and torsades de pointes. Use with caution. (See Hepatic Impairment under Dosage and Administration and also see Elimination: Special Populations, under Pharmacokinetics.)

Renal Impairment

Use with caution in patients with severe renal impairment. (See Renal Impairment under Dosage and Administration and also see Elimination: Special Populations, under Pharmacokinetics.)

Common Adverse Effects

Nausea, dry mouth, insomnia, sweating, sexual dysfunction (ejaculatory disorder, impotence, decreased libido), tremor, diarrhea, somnolence, dyspepsia, fatigue, upper respiratory tract infection, rhinitis.

Drug Interactions

Extensively metabolized in liver, principally by CYP2C19 and 3A4. Does not inhibit CYP2C9, 2E1, or 3A4 in vitro and exhibits only weak inhibition against CYP1A2, CYP2D6, and CYP2C19.

Drugs Affecting Hepatic Microsomal Enzymes

Inhibitors of 3A4: Clinically important pharmacokinetic interaction unlikely.

Inhibitors of CYP2C19: Risk of QT-interval prolongation; maximum recommended dosage is 20 mg once daily in patients concurrently receiving cimetidine or another CYP2C19 inhibitor.

Drugs Metabolized by Hepatic Microsomal Enzymes

Substrates of CYP1A2, CYP2D6, and CYP2C19: Citalopram expected to have little in vivo effect on substrate metabolism; however, clinical importance unknown.

Drugs that Prolong the QT Interval

Citalopram use not recommended in patients concurrently receiving other drugs known to prolong the QTc interval. If such use considered essential, ECG monitoring recommended. (See QT-interval Prolongation and Torsades de Pointes under Cautions.)

Drugs Affecting Hemostasis

Potential pharmacologic interaction (increased risk of bleeding) with concomitant use of drugs that affect hemostasis. Use with caution. (See Abnormal Bleeding under Cautions.)

Drugs Associated with Serotonin Syndrome

Potentially life-threatening serotonin syndrome with other serotonergic drugs. If concomitant use of other serotonergic drugs with citalopram is clinically warranted, advise patients of the increased risk for serotonin syndrome, particularly during treatment initiation and dosage increases.

If serotonin syndrome occurs, immediately discontinue citalopram and any concurrently administered serotonergic agents; initiate supportive and symptomatic treatment. (See Serotonin Syndrome under Cautions.)

Specific Drugs

Drug

Interaction

Comment

Alcohol

Did not potentiate cognitive and motor effects of alcohol in one study; possible serotonergically mediated pharmacodynamic interaction in CNS

Concomitant use not recommended

Antiarrhythmic agents, class IA (e.g., quinidine, procainamide) and class III (e.g., amiodarone, sotalol)

Increased risk of QTc-interval prolongation

Avoid concomitant use; if concurrent use considered essential, monitor ECG

Antidepressants, other SSRIs (e.g., escitalopram, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, paroxetine, sertraline) or SNRIs (e.g., desvenlafaxine, duloxetine, milnacipran, venlafaxine)

Potentially life-threatening serotonin syndrome

If concomitant use clinically warranted, advise patients of the increased risk for serotonin syndrome, particularly during treatment initiation and dosage increases

If serotonin syndrome occurs, immediately discontinue citalopram, the SSRI or SNRI, and any concurrently administered serotonergic agents; initiate supportive and symptomatic treatment

Antidepressants, tricyclics (TCAs) (e.g., desipramine, imipramine)

Possible increased plasma TCA concentrations with TCAs that are substrates of CYP2D6

Potentially life-threatening serotonin syndrome

Use with caution

If concomitant use clinically warranted, advise patients of the increased risk for serotonin syndrome, particularly during treatment initiation and dosage increases

If serotonin syndrome occurs, immediately discontinue citalopram, the TCA, and any concurrently administered serotonergic agents; initiate supportive and symptomatic treatment

Antipsychotic agents (e.g., chlorpromazine, clozapine, pimozide, thioridazine)

Increased risk of QTc-interval prolongation

Clozapine: Substantial increases in trough plasma clozapine concentrations reported with concomitant citalopram

Pimozide: Increased risk of QTc-interval prolongation; pharmacokinetic interactions unlikely

Antipsychotics that prolong QT interval (e.g., chlorpromazine, thioridazine): Avoid concomitant use; if concurrent use considered essential, monitor ECG

Clozapine: Caution advised; monitor closely and consider reduction in clozapine dosage if used concomitantly

Pimozide: Concomitant use contraindicated

Buspirone

Potentially life-threatening serotonin syndrome

If concomitant use clinically warranted, advise patients of the increased risk for serotonin syndrome, particularly during treatment initiation and dosage increases

If serotonin syndrome occurs, immediately discontinue citalopram, buspirone, and any concurrently administered serotonergic agents; initiate supportive and symptomatic treatment

Carbamazepine

Possible increased citalopram clearance

Cimetidine

Increased citalopram AUC and peak plasma concentrations

Maximum recommended citalopram dosage is 20 mg daily due to risk of QT-interval prolongation

CNS drugs

Potentially additive CNS effects

Use with caution

Cyclosporine

Pharmacokinetic interaction unlikely

Digoxin

Pharmacokinetic interaction unlikely

Diuretics

Possible increased risk of hyponatremia

Escitalopram

Therapeutic duplication; escitalopram is the more active isomer of racemic citalopram

Potentially life-threatening serotonin syndrome

Concomitant use not recommended

Fentanyl

Potentially life-threatening serotonin syndrome

If concomitant use clinically warranted, advise patients of the increased risk for serotonin syndrome, particularly during treatment initiation and dosage increases

If serotonin syndrome occurs, immediately discontinue citalopram, fentanyl, and any concurrently administered serotonergic agents; initiate supportive and symptomatic treatment

Gatifloxacin

Increased risk of QTc-interval prolongation

Avoid concomitant use; if concurrent use considered essential, monitor ECG

5-HT1 receptor agonists (triptans; e.g., almotriptan, eletriptan, frovatriptan, naratriptan, rizatriptan, sumatriptan, zolmitriptan)

Potentially life-threatening serotonin syndrome

If concomitant use clinically warranted, advise patients of the increased risk for serotonin syndrome, particularly during treatment initiation and dosage increases

If serotonin syndrome occurs, immediately discontinue citalopram, the triptan, and any concurrently administered serotonergic agents; initiate supportive and symptomatic treatment

Isoniazid

Potentially life-threatening serotonin syndrome

Ketoconazole

Decreased peak concentrations and AUC of ketoconazole; pharmacokinetics of citalopram and demethylcitalopram not substantially affected

Routine citalopram dosage adjustment not necessary

Linezolid

Potentially life-threatening serotonin syndrome

Do not use concurrently; consider availability of alternative anti-infectives and weigh benefit of linezolid against risk of serotonin syndrome

If emergency use of linezolid is considered necessary, immediately discontinue citalopram; monitor closely for symptoms of serotonin syndrome for 2 weeks or until 24 hours after the last linezolid dose, whichever comes first

May resume citalopram 24 hours after last linezolid dose

If nonemergency use of linezolid is planned, withhold citalopram for at least 2 weeks prior to initiating linezolid

Do not initiate citalopram in patients receiving linezolid

If urgent treatment of a psychiatric condition is necessary, consider other interventions, including hospitalization; may initiate citalopram 24 hours after last linezolid dose

Lithium

Potentially life-threatening serotonin syndrome

Pharmacokinetic interaction unlikely

If concomitant use clinically warranted, exercise caution and advise patients of the increased risk for serotonin syndrome, particularly during treatment initiation and dosage increases

If serotonin syndrome occurs, immediately discontinue citalopram, lithium, and any concurrently administered serotonergic agents; initiate supportive and symptomatic treatment

Monitor serum lithium concentrations; adjust dosage accordingly

MAO inhibitors

Potentially life-threatening serotonin syndrome

Concomitant use contraindicated

Allow at least 2 weeks to elapse between discontinuance of an MAO inhibitor intended to treat psychiatric disorders and initiation of citalopram, and vice versa

Methadone

Increased risk of QTc-interval prolongation

Avoid concomitant use; if concurrent use considered essential, monitor ECG

Methylene blue

Potentially life-threatening serotonin syndrome

Most cases occurred when methylene blue was used as a diagnostic (visualizing) dye (1–8 mg/kg IV) during parathyroid surgery; unclear whether there is a risk of serotonin syndrome when methylene blue is administered by other routes or in lower IV doses in patients receiving serotonergic drugs

Generally should not use methylene blue in patients receiving citalopram; consider availability of alternative interventions and weigh benefits of IV methylene blue against risk of serotonin syndrome

If emergency use of IV methylene blue is considered necessary, immediately discontinue citalopram and monitor for symptoms of serotonin syndrome for 2 weeks or until 24 hours after last methylene blue dose, whichever comes first

May resume citalopram 24 hours after last dose of IV methylene blue

If nonemergency use of methylene blue is planned, withhold citalopram for at least 2 weeks prior to initiating methylene blue

Do not initiate citalopram in patients receiving IV methylene blue

If urgent treatment of a psychiatric condition is necessary, consider other interventions, including hospitalization; may initiate citalopram 24 hours after last IV methylene blue dose

Metoprolol

Increased plasma metoprolol concentrations possibly resulting in decreased cardioselectivity

Moxifloxacin

Increased risk of QTc-interval prolongation

Avoid concomitant use; if concurrent use considered essential, monitor ECG

NSAIAs (e.g., aspirin)

Increased risk of bleeding

Use with caution

Pentamidine

Increased risk of QTc-interval prolongation

Avoid concomitant use; if concurrent use considered essential, monitor ECG

Ritonavir

Pharmacokinetic interactions unlikely

Selegiline

Potentially life-threatening serotonin syndrome

Avoid concomitant use

Allow at least 2 weeks to elapse between discontinuance of selegiline and initiation of citalopram, or vice versa

St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum)

Potentially life-threatening serotonin syndrome

If concomitant use clinically warranted, advise patients of the increased risk for serotonin syndrome, particularly during treatment initiation and dosage increases

If serotonin syndrome occurs, immediately discontinue citalopram, St. John's wort, and any concurrently administered serotonergic agents; initiate supportive and symptomatic treatment

Theophylline

No effects evident on theophylline pharmacokinetics

Tramadol

Potentially life-threatening serotonin syndrome

If concomitant use clinically warranted, advise patients of the increased risk for serotonin syndrome, particularly during treatment initiation and dosage increases

If serotonin syndrome occurs, immediately discontinue citalopram, tramadol, and any concurrently administered serotonergic agents; initiate supportive and symptomatic treatment

Triazolam

Pharmacokinetic interactions unlikely

Tryptophan

Potentially life-threatening serotonin syndrome

If concomitant use clinically warranted, advise patients of the increased risk for serotonin syndrome, particularly during treatment initiation and dosage increases

If serotonin syndrome occurs, immediately discontinue citalopram, tryptophan, and any concurrently administered serotonergic agents; initiate supportive and symptomatic treatment

Warfarin

Possible increased PT and risk of bleeding

Pharmacokinetic interactions unlikely

Carefully monitor patients receiving warfarin during initiation and discontinuance of citalopram therapy

Citalopram Pharmacokinetics

Absorption

Bioavailability

Well absorbed following oral administration, with peak plasma concentration usually attained within 4 hours.

Absolute oral bioavailability is approximately 80%.

Commercially available tablets and oral solution reportedly are bioequivalent.

Onset

Antidepressant effect usually occurs within 1–4 weeks.

Food

Food does not affect absorption.

Special Populations

In geriatric patients ≥60 years of age, AUC is increased by 23–30%.

Poor metabolizers of CYP2C19: peak steady-state concentrations and AUCs increased by 68 and 107%, respectively.

Steady-state citalopram concentrations not substantially different in healthy individuals with poor or extensive CYP2D6 metabolizer phenotypes.

Distribution

Extent

Apparently widely distributed in body tissues.

Crosses blood-brain barrier.

Crosses the placenta.

Distributed into breast milk.

Plasma Protein Binding

Approximately 80%.

Elimination

Metabolism

Extensively metabolized in the liver to less pharmacologically active metabolites by multiple enzyme systems, including CYP3A4 and CYP2C19.

Elimination Route

Excreted principally in urine (75%) and feces (10%).

Half-life

Approximately 35 hours.

Special Populations

In geriatric patients ≥60 years of age, half-life is increased by 30–50%.

Hepatic impairment decreases oral clearance by 37% and doubles half-life.

Mild to moderate renal impairment decreases oral clearance by 17%. Severe renal impairment did not substantially alter pharmacokinetics in one study.

Stability

Storage

Oral

Solution

20–25°C (may be exposed to 15–30°C).

Tablets

25°C (may be exposed to 15–30°C).

Actions

Advice to Patients

Preparations

Excipients in commercially available drug preparations may have clinically important effects in some individuals; consult specific product labeling for details.

Please refer to the ASHP Drug Shortages Resource Center for information on shortages of one or more of these preparations.

* available from one or more manufacturer, distributor, and/or repackager by generic (nonproprietary) name

Citalopram Hydrobromide

Routes

Dosage Forms

Strengths

Brand Names

Manufacturer

Oral

Tablets, film-coated

10 mg (of citalopram)*

CeleXA

Forest

Citalopram Hydrobromide Tablets

20 mg (of citalopram)*

CeleXA (scored)

Forest

Citalopram Hydrobromide Tablets

40 mg (of citalopram)*

CeleXA (scored)

Forest

Citalopram Hydrobromide Tablets

Solution

10 mg (of citalopram) per 5 mL*

Citalopram Hydrobromide Oral Solution

AHFS DI Essentials™. © Copyright 2024, Selected Revisions September 25, 2015. American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc., 4500 East-West Highway, Suite 900, Bethesda, Maryland 20814.

† Off-label: Use is not currently included in the labeling approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.

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