Celexa (Citalopram Solution) and Irinotecan

In the database of official manuals used in the service creation an interaction registered by statistical results of studies was found, which can either lead to negative consequences for the patient health or strengthen a mutual positive effect. A doctor should be consulted to address the issue of joint drug administration.

Consumer information for this minor interaction is not currently available. Some minor drug interactions may not be clinically relevant in all patients. Minor drug interactions do not usually cause harm or require a change in therapy. However, your healthcare provider can determine if adjustments to your medications are needed.

An isolated case report describes an occurrence of rhabdomyolysis during concomitant treatment with irinotecan and citalopram. The exact mechanism of interaction is unknown but may involve irinotecan inhibition of citalopram metabolism via CYP450 3A4, resulting in increased plasma concentrations of citalopram. Although rhabdomyolysis is typically not a side effect of citalopram, it has been reported in citalopram overdose. In the report, a 74-year old man developed rhabdomyolysis 3 days after receiving irinotecan for the treatment of gastric cancer. The patient's other chronic medications included enalapril, alprazolam, nitroglycerin, aspirin, and simvastatin. He had also been started on citalopram approximately 2 months earlier. His condition improved following discontinuation of all medications but was exacerbated upon reinstitution of citalopram therapy for worsening depression. Citalopram was again withdrawn and the patient gradually recovered. A causal relationship has not been established. Theoretically, an interaction may have also occurred between irinotecan and simvastatin, the latter of which is a known substrate of CYP450 3A4 and a well-documented cause of rhabdomyolysis, especially in cases of drug interaction.

Celexa (Citalopram Solution)

Generic Name: citalopram

Brand name: Celexa

Synonyms: Celexa

What is Celexa (Citalopram Solution)?

Irinotecan

Generic Name: irinotecan

Brand name: Camptosar

Synonyms: Irinotecan (Conventional)

What is Irinotecan?