Rx onlyControlled · controlled substance
Fact box
- Therapeutic class
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors
- Action class
- Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor
- Mechanism
- Serotonin Uptake Inhibitors
- Habit forming
- Yes — controlled substance
- Availability
- Prescription (Rx)
Available as
20 MG · Oral Tablet30 MG · Oral Capsule10 MG · Oral Tablet2 MG/ML · Oral Solution40 MG · Oral Tablet40 MG/ML · Oral Solution10 MG · Disintegrating Oral Tablet20 MG · Disintegrating Oral Tablet40 MG · Disintegrating Oral Tablet
FDA label sections are from openFDA and may not reflect the most recent labeling — confirm against the current DailyMed label.
⚠ Boxed warningWARNING: SUICIDAL THOUGHTS AND BEHAVIORS Antidepressants increased the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in pediatric and young adult patients in short-term studies. Closely monitor all antidepressant-treated patients for clinical worsening, and for emergence of suicidal thoughts and behaviors [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] . Citalopram is not approved for use in pediatric patients [see Use in Specific Populations (8.4) ]. WARNING: SUICIDAL THOUGHTS AND BEHAVIORS See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning. Increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior in pediatric and young adult patients taking antidepressants. Closely monitor all antidepressant-treated patients for clinical worsening and emergence of suicidal thoughts and behaviors ( 5.1 ) . Citalopram is not approved for use in pediatric patients ( 8.4 ).
Uses
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Citalopram tablets are indicated for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults [see Clinical Studies (14) ] . Citalopram tablets are a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) indicated for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults ( 1 ) .
How it works
12.1 Mechanism of Action The mechanism of action of citalopram is unclear, but is presumed to be related to potentiation of serotonergic activity in the central nervous system (CNS) resulting from its inhibition of CNS neuronal reuptake of serotonin (5-HT).
How to use / dosing
2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Administer once daily with or without food ( 2 ) . Initial dosage is 20 mg once daily; after one week may increase to maximum dosage of 40 mg once daily ( 2.1 ). Patients greater than 60 years of age, patients with hepatic impairment, and CYP2C19 poor metabolizers: maximum recommended dosage is 20 mg once daily ( 2.2 ). When discontinuing citalopram tablets, reduce dosage gradually ( 2.4 , 5.6 ). 2.1 Recommended Dosage Administer citalopram tablets once daily, with or without food, at an initial dosage of 20 mg once daily, with an increase to a maximum dosage of 40 mg once daily at an interval of no less than one week. Dosages above 40 mg once daily are not recommended due to the risk of QT prolongation [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] . 2.2 Screen for Bipolar Disorder Prior to Starting Citalopram Tablets Prior to initiating treatment with citalopram tablets or another antidepressant, screen patients for a personal or family history of bipolar disorder, mania, or hypomania [See Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ]. 2.3 Recommended Dosage for Specific Populations The maximum recommended dosage of citalopram tablets for patients who are greater than 60 years of age, patients with hepatic impairment, and for CYP2C19 poor metabolizers is 20 mg once daily [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) , Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ]. 2.4 Dosage Modifications with Concomitant Use of CYP2C19 Inhibitors The maximum recommended dosage of citalopram tablets when used concomitantly with a CYP2C19 inhibitor is 20 mg once daily [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) , Drug Interactions (7) ]. 2.5 Switching Patients to or from a Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor Antidepressant At least 14 days must elapse between discontinuation of a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) antidepressant and initiation of therapy with citalopram tablets. Conversely, at least 14 days must elapse after stopping citalopram tablets before starting an MAOI antidepressant [see Contraindications (4) and Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] . 2.6 Discontinuing Treatment with Citalopram Tablets Adverse reactions may occur upon discontinuation of citalopram tablets [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6) ] . Gradually reduce the dosage rather than stopping citalopram tablets abruptly whenever possible.
Side effects
6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following adverse reactions are discussed in greater detail in other sections of the labeling: Hypersensitivity reactions [see Contraindications (4) ] Suicidal thoughts and behaviors in adolescents and young adults [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] QT-prolongation and torsade de pointes [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] Serotonin syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] Increased risk of bleeding [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] Activation of mania or hypomania [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ] Discontinuation syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6) ] Seizures [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7) ] Angle-closure glaucoma [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8) ] Hyponatremia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9) ] Sexual Dysfunction [see Warnings and Precautions (5.10) ] Most common adverse reaction (incidence ≥ 5% and twice placebo) is ejaculation disorder (primarily ejaculation delay) ( 6.1 ) . To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Aurobindo Pharma USA, Inc. at 1-866-850-2876 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical studies of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in clinical practice. The safety for citalopram included citalopram exposures in patients and/or healthy subjects from 3 different groups of studies: 429 healthy subjects in clinical pharmacology/pharmacokinetic studies; 4,422 exposures from patients in controlled and uncontrolled clinical trials, corresponding to approximately 1,370 patient-exposure years. There were, in addition, over 19,000 exposures from mostly open-label, European postmarketing studies. The conditions and duration of treatment with citalopram varied greatly and included (in overlapping categories) open-label and double-blind studies, inpatient and outpatient studies, fixed-dose and dose-titration studies, and short-term and long-term exposure. Adverse Reactions Associated with Discontinuation of Treatment Among 1,063 patients with MDD who received citalopram at doses ranging from 10 mg to 80 mg once daily in placebocontrolled trials of up to 6 weeks duration, 16% discontinued treatment due to an adverse reaction, as compared to 8% of 446 patients receiving placebo. The adverse reactions associated with discontinuation (i.e., associated with discontinuation in at least 1% of citalopram-treated patients at a rate at least twice that of placebo) are shown in Table 2 . Table 2: Adverse Reactions Associated with Discontinuation of Citalopram Treatment in Short-Term, Placebo-Controlled MDD Trials * A patient can report more than one reason for discontinuation and be counted more than once in this table. Body System/Adverse Reaction Citalopram Placebo (N=1,063) % (N=446) % General Asthenia 1 <1 Gastrointestinal Disorders Nausea 4 0 Dry Mouth 1 <1 Vomiting 1 0 Central and Peripheral Nervous System Disorders Dizziness 2 <1 Psychiatric Disorders Insomnia 3 1 Somnolence 2 1 Agitation 1 <1 Table 3 enumerates the incidence of adverse reactions that occurred among 1,063 patients with MDD who received citalopram at doses ranging from 10 mg to 80 mg once daily in placebo-controlled trials of up to 6 weeks duration. The most common adverse reaction that occurred in citalopram-treated patients with an incidence of 5% or greater and at least twice the incidence in placebo patients was ejaculation disorder (primarily ejaculatory delay) in male patients (see Table 3 ). Table 3: Adverse Reactions (≥2% and Greater than Placebo) Among Citalopram-Treated Patients * *Adverse reactions reported by at least 2% of patients treated with citalopram are reported, except for the following adverse reactions which had an incidence on placebo ≥ citalopram: headache, asthenia, dizziness, constipation, palpitation, vision abnormal, sleep d
Safety advice
Conservative summary derived from FDA labeling — defaults to “consult your doctor” unless the label is explicit. Not a substitute for your clinician’s advice.
PregnancyUnsafe
8.1 Pregnancy Pregnancy Exposure Registry There is a pregnancy exposure registry that monitors pregnancy outcomes in women exposed to antidepressants during pregnancy. Healthcare providers are encouraged to advise patients to register by calling the National Pregnancy Registry for Antidepressants at 1-844-405-6185 or visiting online at https://womensmentalhealth.org/research/pregnancyregistry/antidepressants . Risk Summary Based on data from published observational studies, exposure to SSRIs, particularly in the month before delivery, has been associated with a less than 2-fold increase in the risk of postpartum hemorrhage [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) and Clinical Considerations]. Available data from published epidemiologic studies and postmarketing reports with citalopram use in pregnancy have not established an increased risk of major birth defects or miscarriage. Published studies demonstrated that citalopram levels in both cord blood and amniotic fluid are similar to those observed in maternal serum. There are risks of persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN) (see Data) and/or poor neonatal adaptation with exposure to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), including citalopram, during pregnancy . There also are risks associated with untreated depression in pregnancy (see Clinical Considerations) . In animal reproduction studies, citalopram caused adverse embryo/fetal effects at doses that caused maternal toxicity (see Data) . The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in the clinically recognized pregnancies is 2% to 4% and 15% to 20%, respectively. Clinical Considerations Disease-Associated Maternal and/or Embryo/Fetal Risk Women who discontinue antidepressants during pregnancy are more likely to experience a relapse of major depression than women who continue antidepressants. This finding is from a prospective longitudinal study of 201 pregnant women with a history of major depressive disorder who were euthymic and taking antidepressants at the beginning of pregnancy. Consider the risk of untreated depression when discontinuing or changing treatment with antidepressant medication during pregnancy and postpartum. Maternal Adverse Reactions Use of citalopram in the mon
BreastfeedingNo information
AlcoholNo information
No specific information in the FDA label.
DrivingNo information
No specific information in the FDA label.
KidneyNo information
No specific information in the FDA label.
LiverCaution
…Patients greater than 60 years of age, patients with hepatic impairment, and CYP2C19 poor metabolizers: maximum recommended dosage is 20 mg once daily ( 2.2 ).…
Warnings & precautions
5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS QT-Prolongation and Torsade de Pointes : Dose-dependent QTc prolongation, Torsade de pointes, ventricular tachycardia, and sudden death have occurred. Avoid use of citalopram in patients with congenital long QT syndrome, bradycardia, hypokalemia or hypomagnesemia, recent acute myocardial infarction, or uncompensated heart failure and patients taking other drugs that prolong the QTc interval. Monitor electrolytes in patients at high risk for hypokalemia or hypomagnesemia. Discontinue citalopram in patients with persistent QTc measurements > 500 ms ( 5.2 , 7 ) . Serotonin Syndrome : Increased risk when co-administered with other serotonergic agents, but also when taken alone. If occurs, discontinue citalopram and serotonergic agents and initiate supportive measures ( 5.3 ) . Increased Risk of Bleeding : Concomitant use of aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, other antiplatelet drugs, warfarin and other anticoagulants may increase this risk ( 5.4 ) . Activation of Mania/Hypomania : Screen patients for bipolar disorder ( 5.5 ) . Seizures : Use with caution in patients with seizure disorder ( 5.7 ). Angle-Closure Glaucoma : Avoid use of citalopram in patients with untreated anatomically narrow angles ( 5.8 ) . Hyponatremia : Can occur in association with syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion ( 5.9 ) . Sexual Dysfunction : Citalopram may cause symptoms of sexual dysfunction. ( 5.10 ) . 5.1 Suicidal Thoughts and Behavior in Adolescents and Young Adults In pooled analyses of placebo-controlled trials of antidepressant drugs (SSRIs and other antidepressant classes) that included approximately 77,000 adult patients, and 4,500 pediatric patients, the incidence of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in antidepressant-treated patients age 24 years and younger was greater than in placebo-treated patients. There was considerable variation in risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors among drugs, but there was an increased risk identified in young patients for most drugs studied. There were differences in absolute risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors across the different indications, with the highest incidence in patients with MDD. The drug-placebo differences in the number of cases of suicidal thoughts and behaviors per 1000 patients treated are provided in Table 1 . Table 1: Risk Differences of the Number of Patients with Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors in the Pooled Placebo-Controlled Trials of Antidepressants in Pediatric and Adult Patients *Citalopram is not approved for use in pediatric patients. Age Range* Drug-Placebo Difference in Number of Patients with Suicidal Thoughts or Behaviors per 1000 Patients Treated Increases Compared to Placebo <18 years old 14 additional patients 18 to 24 years old 5 additional patients Decreases Compared to Placebo 25 to 64 years old 1 fewer patient ≥65 years old 6 fewer patients It is unknown whether the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children, adolescents, and young adults extends to longer-term use, i.e., beyond four months. However, there is substantial evidence from placebo-controlled maintenance trials in adults with MDD that antidepressants delay the recurrence of depression and that depression itself is a risk factor for suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Monitor all antidepressant-treated patients for clinical worsening and emergence of suicidal thoughts and behaviors, especially during the initial few months of drug therapy and at times of dosage changes. Counsel family members or caregivers of patients to monitor for changes in behavior and to alert the healthcare provider. Consider changing the therapeutic regimen, including possibly discontinuing citalopram, in patients whose depression is persistently worse, or who are experiencing emergent suicidal thoughts or behaviors. 5.2 QT-Prolongation and Torsade de Pointes Citalopram causes dose-dependent QTc prolongation an ECG abnormality that has been associated with Torsade de Point
Contraindications
4 CONTRAINDICATIONS Citalopram tablets are contraindicated in patients: taking, or within 14 days of stopping, MAOIs (including MAOIs such as linezolid or intravenous methylene blue) because of an increased risk of serotonin syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) , Drug Interactions (7) ] . taking pimozide because of risk of QT prolongation [see Drug Interactions (7) ] . with known hypersensitivity to citalopram or any of the inactive ingredients in citalopram tablets. Reactions have included angioedema and anaphylaxis [see Adverse Reactions (6.2) ]. Concomitant use of monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or use within 14 days of discontinuing a MAOI ( 4 ). Concomitant use of pimozide ( 4 ). Known hypersensitivity to citalopram or any of the inactive ingredients of citalopram ( 4 ).
Pediatric use
8.4 Pediatric Use The safety and effectiveness of citalopram have not been established in pediatric patients. Two placebo-controlled trials in 407 pediatric patients with MDD have been conducted with citalopram, and the data were not sufficient to support use in pediatric patients. Antidepressants increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in pediatric patients [see Boxed Warning , Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] . Decreased appetite and weight loss have been observed in association with the use of SSRIs in pediatric patients.
⚑ About half of pediatric medication use is off-label and not described in FDA labels — absence of pediatric information does not mean a medicine is unused or unsafe in children. Confirm with your clinician.
Interactions (label text — not an interaction checker)
7 DRUG INTERACTIONS Table 5 presents clinically important drug interactions with citalopram. Table 5: Clinically Important Drug Interactions with Citalopram Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) Clinical Impact Concomitant use of SSRIs, including citalopram, and MAOIs increases the risk of serotonin syndrome. Intervention Citalopram is contraindicated in patients taking MAOIs, including MAOIs such as linezolid or intravenous methylene blue [see Dosage and Administration (2.5) , Contraindications (4) , Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] . Pimozide Clinical Impact: Concomitant use of citalopram with pimozide increases plasma concentrations of pimozide, a drug with a narrow therapeutic index, and may increase the risk of QT prolongation and/or ventricular arrhythmias compared to use of citalopram alone [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.2) ]. Intervention: Citalopram is contraindicated in patients taking pimozide [see Contraindications (4) , Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ]. Drugs that Prolong the QTc Interval Clinical Impact: Concomitant use of citalopram with drugs that prolong QT can cause additional QT prolongation compared to the use of citalopram alone [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.2) ]. Intervention: Avoid concomitant use of citalopram with drugs that prolong the QT interval (citalopram is contraindicated in patients taking pimozide) [see Contraindications (4) , Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ]. CYP2C19 Inhibitors Clinical Impact: Concomitant use of citalopram with CYP2C19 inhibitors increases the risk of QT prolongation and/or ventricular arrhythmias compared to the use of citalopram alone [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.2) ]. Intervention: The maximum recommended dosage of citalopram is 20 mg daily when used concomitantly with a CYP2C19 inhibitor [see Dosage and Administration (2.4) , Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ]. Other Serotonergic Drugs Clinical Impact: Concomitant use of citalopram and other serotonergic drugs (including other SSRIs, SNRIs, triptans, tricyclic antidepressants, opioids, lithium, buspirone, amphetamines, tryptophan, and St. John's Wort) increases the risk of serotonin syndrome. Intervention: Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of serotonin syndrome, particularly during citalopram initiation and dosage increases. If serotonin syndrome occurs, consider discontinuation of citalopram and/or concomitant serotonergic drugs [see Warning and Precautions (5.3) ]. Drugs That Interfere With Hemostasis (antiplatelet agents and anticoagulants) Clinical Impact: Concomitant use of citalopram and an antiplatelet or anticoagulant may potentiate the risk of bleeding. Intervention: Inform patients of the increased risk of bleeding associated with the concomitant use of citalopram and antiplatelet agents and anticoagulants. For patients taking warfarin, carefully monitor the international normalized ratio [see Warning and Precautions (5.4) ]. CYP2C19 Inhibitors : Citalopram 20 mg daily is the maximum recommended dosage for patients taking concomitant CYP2C19 inhibitors ( 5.2 , 7 ) .
Overdose
10 OVERDOSAGE The following have been reported with citalopram tablet overdosage: Seizures, which may be delayed, and altered mental status including coma. Cardiovascular toxicity, which may be delayed, including QRS and QTc interval prolongation, wide complex tachyarrhythmias, and torsade de pointes. Hypertension most commonly seen, but rarely can see hypotension alone or with co‐ingestants including alcohol. Serotonin syndrome (patients with a multiple drug overdosage with other proserotonergic drugs may have a higher risk). Prolonged cardiac monitoring is recommended in citalopram overdosage ingestions due to the arrhythmia risk. Gastrointestinal decontamination with activated charcoal should be considered in patients who present early after a citalopram overdose. Consider contacting a Poison Center (1‐800‐221‐2222) or a medical toxicologist for additional overdosage management recommendations.
Current FDA labels (DailyMed)
12 marketed products on record (RxNorm)
Reference only — not clinical advice. Verify against current FDA labeling and consult a licensed provider. About half of pediatric drug use is off-label and is not reflected in FDA labels; absence of pediatric information does not mean a medicine is unused or unsafe in children.