Does Famotidine interact with Citalopram? (1 side effect)

By Ivan Kahwa
Page last updated: 02/01/2024 | Next review date: 02/01/2026
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Author bio

 

Mr Ivan Kahwa is a chemist and phytopharmaceutical scientist with expertise in chemistry, pharmacology, phytochemistry, and Nanobiotechnology. He writes and reviews content on these topics.

Mr Ivan Kahwa’s Highlights:

Guest Researcher at the University of Leipzig, Senior Research Fellow/Scientist, and Lecturer at the  Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology.

Professional Experience:

Mr Ivan joined PHARMBIOTRAC as a research fellow/scientist during his master of science tenure. He contributed to the development of most of the phytopharmaceutical products in the project. Furthermore, he participated in carrying out the pharmacological activities of the developed products in laboratory animals such as mice and rats in order to develop proper doses hence leading to pre-clinical studies.

With the above relevant research experience, Ivan started to work with the University of Leipzig on collaborative projects with Mbarara University to develop the chemistry of Ugandan Medicinal plants and their pharmacological activities. This was coupled with several consultative positions by different German NGOs. Mr. Kahwa is also a supporting in the teaching and learning at the Departments of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology.

With the increase in antimicrobial resistance globally, Ivan retooled his thinking towards developing new naturally derived antibiotic regimens from Ugandan propolis with the assistance of nanotechnology to improve their delivery to microbial cells. Kahwa has also published over 28 articles in peer-reviewed journals and he is currently reviewing for many journals.

Education:

2023-2027: PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences (ongoing) with a focus on Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Nanobiology at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.

2022: 2Msc. in Pharmacognosy and Natural Medicine Science at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.

2018: Bachelor of Science (Chemistry) at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.

Publications:

▪ Iqbal, S., Jabeen, F., Kahwa, I., & Omara, T. 2023. Suberosin Alleviates Thiazolidinedione-Induced Cardiomyopathy in Diabetic Rats by Inhibiting Ferroptosis via Modulation of ACSL4-LPCAT3 and PI3K-AKT Signaling Pathways. Cardiovascular Toxicology. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12012-023-09804-7 

▪ Gupta, A. K., Yadav, R., Sharma, S., Sawale, J., & Kahwa, I. 2023. Anti-ageing Activity and Antioxidant Activity of Methanol Extracts of Leaves and Flowers of Salvia officinalis and Rosmarinus officinalis. Journal of Young Pharmacists, 15(3), 448–455. https://doi.org/10.5530/jyp.2023.15.60 

▪ Tolo, C.U., Kahwa, I., Nuwagira, U., Weisheit, A. and Ikiriza, H., 2023. Medicinal plants used in treatment of various diseases in the Rwenzori Region, Western Uganda. Ethnobotany Research and Applications, 25, pp.1-16.

https://ethnobotanyjournal.org/index.php/era/article/view/4683 

▪ Kahwa, I., Ajayi, C.O., Yadav, R., Chauhan, N.S., Shah, K., Abdelgadir, A.A., Shegena, E.A., Daniel, S., Omara, T., Asiimwe, J.B. and Ikiriza, H., 2023. Pharmacognostic and phytochemical studies as an invaluable approach for correct identification of medicinal plants: The case of Artemisia vulgaris L. substituted for Artemisia annua L. in Western Uganda. TMR Integr Med, 7, p.e23004.

  https://doi.org/10.53388/TMRIM202307004 

▪ Nalimu, F., Oloro, J., Kahwa, I. and Ogwang, P.E., 2021. Review on the phytochemistry and toxicological profiles of Aloe vera and Aloe ferox. Future Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 7, pp.1-21.

https://doi.org/10.1186/s43094-021-00296-2 

▪ Elamin, O.H.S., Ali, M.A., Elgezuli, I.A.A., Bashir, M.A. and Kahwa, I., 2021. Diagnosis of pre-and post-treatment of echinococcus granulosus with counter current immune electrophoresis and bacterial co-agglutination. Journal of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, 11(02), pp.88-94.

https://doi.org/10.5799/jmid.951600 

Published book Chapter

▪ Kahwa, I., Ayesiga, I., Nakalema, S., Alinaiswe, R., Mbabazi, R. and Iqbal, S., 2023. Natural products in the management of onchocerciasis. In Natural Products in Vector-Borne Disease Management (pp. 63-80). Academic Press. Book Chapter.

 https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-323-91942-5.00012-4 

Submitted manuscripts Under Review:

▪ Comparison of the Wound Healing Activity of the Leaf and Leaf Ash Extracts of Vernonia amygdalina in Rats. Journal name: Clinical Phytoscience

▪ Ethnobotanical Survey of Medicinal plants used in the management of cancer in Uganda. Journal name: Journal of Herbal Medicine

▪ Ethnobotanical survey and phytochemical screening of medicinal plants used in treatment of epilepsy by PROMETRA-Uganda Traditional Health Practitioners in Mpigi District, Uganda. Journal name: Journal of Ethnopharmacology

Submitted book chapters under review

1.Book title: Algae as a Natural Solution for Water-Food-Energy Nexus, Section 4:  Microalgae and cyanobacteria for food applications, Chapter 4.6:  Safety, toxicological and allergenic aspects of using algae for food. Authors: Christine Kyarimpa, Tom Omute, Caroline K. Nakiguli, Alice V. Khanakwa4, Christopher Angiro, Ivan Kahwa, Fortunate Ahumuza, Timothy Omara*. Publisher:  Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 152 Beach Road, #21-01/04 Gateway East, Singapore 189721, Singapore.

2.Book title: Nutraceuticals Inspiring the Contemporary Therapy for Lifestyle Diseases. Chapter: Nutraceutical applications of Seaweeds and their Phytocompounds in Nutrition and Treatment of Diseases. Authors:  Ivan Kahwa, Timothy Omara , Innocent Ayesiga , Gael Noel Neh Neba Ambe , Zehbanaz Javidbhai Panwala  , Rachel Mbabazi  , Shabnoor Iqbal  , Christine Kyarimpa , Christine Betty Nagawa , Kamal Shah ,Nagendra Singh Chauhan* Publisher: CRC Press

 

You can view my works on the following professional sites:

 

Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Ivan-Kahwa

 

Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=tOwrvqoAAAAJ&hl=en

ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6440-3437

Linkedin: https://de.linkedin.com/in/ivan-kahwa-865450159 

 

 

 

 


Ivan Kahwa
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This article will discuss the query, “Does Famotidine interact with Citalopram?” We will also look at the potential interaction between Famotidine and Citalopram, the mechanism of the interaction, and how to avoid the side effects associated with this interaction.

Does Famotidine interact with Citalopram?

Famotidine can interact with Citalopram. However, this interaction is uncommon and typically occurs in patients with underlying heart or renal disease.

Famotidine is a type of medication classified as an H2 receptor blocker. It is commonly used to treat gastrointestinal conditions such as duodenal ulcers, gastric ulcers, and gastroesophageal reflux disorders (GERD) (1).

Citalopram, on the other hand, is an SSRI antidepressant used to treat depression in adults (2).

Although the Famotidine and Citalopram interaction is rare, it can be severe and life-threatening in susceptible individuals. Therefore, it is recommended to cautiously use Famotidine and Citalopram together.

Potential Interaction between Famotidine and Citalopram

One potential interaction between Famotidine and Citalopram is QTc prolongation. When Famotidine is used in combination with Citalopram, it can lead to an irregular heart rhythm, which can be severe and life-threatening (3).

Older patients with moderate to severe renal impairment are usually more prone to the cardiac adverse effects of Famotidine and Citalopram.

It is recommended that your healthcare provider inform you about the possible adverse effects associated with Famotidine and Citalopram before co-prescribing them.

Risk factors contributing to Famotidine-Citalopram interaction

Some risk factors can contribute to the potential interaction between Citalopram and Famotidine. Citalopram is associated with QT prolongation and ECG abnormalities, including ventricular tachycardia, Torsade de Pointes, and sudden death.

However, this adverse effect of Citalopram is dose-dependent, which means Citalopram at a dose above 40 mg/day may cause QT prolongation in susceptible individuals. (4).

Patients who are at risk of developing QT prolongation with Citalopram are those with underlying heart disease, such as (4):

  • Congenital long QT syndrome (4).
  • Bradycardia (4).
  • Recent myocardial infarction (4).

An electrolyte imbalance, such as hypokalemia or hypomagnesemia, also poses a risk factor for developing QT prolongation associated with Citalopram (4).

It’s important to be aware that Famotidine may cause QT prolongation, especially in patients with moderate to severe renal impairment (5).

In order to prevent the risk of QT prolongation, it is advisable that these patients receive a dose adjustment or have their dosing interval adjusted accordingly (5).

Therefore, it is suggested that concurrent use of drugs that cause QT prolongation, such as Famotidine and Citalopram, may cause a synergistic effect, leading to an increased risk of cardiac adverse effects in patients with underlying heart or renal diseases.

You may experience the following symptoms of cardiac arrhythmia when taking Famotidine and Citalopram together:

  • Dizziness (4).
  • Palpitation (4).
  • Syncope (4).

It is recommended to immediately contact your healthcare provider if you experience any of the above symptoms.

How to safely take Famotidine with Citalopram?

The following precautions are suggested to ensure safety while taking Famotidine and Citalopram together:

  • It is recommended not to exceed a Citalopram dose above 20 mg/day when co-prescribed with Famotidine, especially in older patients or those with renal impairment (4).
  • It is recommended to be cautious while using Famotidine and Citalopram together, especially in patients with a history of heart disease.
  • Close ECG monitoring is recommended to prevent QTc prolongation associated with the concurrent use of Famotidine and Citalopram.
  • Avoid the concurrent use of Famotidine and Citalopram in patients with electrolyte imbalances such as hypokalemia or hypomagnesemia. To prevent cardiac adverse effects.
  • It is not recommended to discontinue Citalopram without consulting your healthcare provider since abrupt discontinuation of Citalopram increases the risk of withdrawal symptoms.

How to manage heartburn associated with Citalopram?

The common gastric adverse effects of Citalopram include nausea, diarrhoea, dyspepsia, vomiting, and abdominal pain (4). Famotidine or other acid reducers are often used to resolve these adverse effects. However, the use of Famotidine with Citalopram leads to QT prolongation.

It is recommended to follow these tips to manage the heartburn associated with Citalopram:

  • Try having your meals in smaller portions and more frequently (6).
  • Elevate the head of your bed by 10-20cm, positioning your upper body above your waist. This will prevent the stomach acid from moving up towards your throat (6).
  • Avoid extensive stress, as stress may also increase the acid production in your stomach (6).
  • Avoid foods or drinks that can worsen acid reflux, such as spices, vinegar, citrus fruits, caffeine, etc (6).
  • Avoid eating right before bedtime. Have your dinner 3-4 hours before sleep (6).
  • Quit smoking, as it is also associated with increased stomach acid production (6).

Conclusion

In this article, we have discussed the query, “Does Famotidine interact with Citalopram?” We have also discussed the potential interaction between Famotidine and Citalopram, the mechanism of the interaction, and how to avoid the side effects associated with this interaction.

Was this helpful?

Thanks for your feedback!

References

1.-

Nguyen K, Dersnah GD, Ahlawat R. Famotidine. [Updated 2022 Jul 11]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK534778/

 

 

2.-

Sharbaf Shoar N, Fariba KA, Padhy RK. Citalopram. [Updated 2021 Dec 11]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482222/

 

 

3.-

PubChem [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US), National Center for Biotechnology Information; 2004-. PubChem Compound Summary for CID 2771, Citalopram; [cited 2023 Oct. 6]. https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Citalopram

 

4.-

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA).HIGHLIGHTS OF PRESCRIBING INFORMATION. CELEXA (citalopram) tablets, for oral use. Available from: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2022/020822s041lbl.pdf

 

5.-

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA).HIGHLIGHTS OF PRESCRIBING INFORMATION. PEPCID (famatidine) tablets, for oral use. Available from: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2018/019462s039lbl.pdf

 

6.-

Website, N. (2023, May 4). Heartburn and acid reflux. nhs.uk.https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/heartburn-and-acid-reflux/

 

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