Can You Take Pepcid And Lexapro Together?
Our pharmacist discusses the safety of taking Lexapro and Pepcid together in our latest question and answer.
Should I take Lexapro (10mg), and Famotidine together? Are there any potential interactions?
Jul 27, 2023- Lexapro can cause QT prolongation, a rare heart rhythm problem, and while Pepcid may also cause this side effect, it is very uncommon except in people with kidney problems.
- The combination of Lexapro and Pepcid together carries a very low risk of causing serious heart rhythm issues in most people.
- You should talk to your healthcare provider about your individual situation before taking these medications together, especially if you have kidney problems or heart conditions.
Quick Answer
Lexapro has been reported to cause QT prolongation in some individuals, which is a rare side effect that affects the electrical rhythm of the heart. Some sources also report that Pepcid (Famotidine) can cause QT prolongation as well, but it appears to be quite uncommon with the drug and generally, if it does occur, other factors have been at play.
Detailed Answer
Limited research is available regarding the interaction between Lexapro (escitalopram) and Pepcid (famotidine), and there is conflicting information presented in online drug interaction checkers. Certain ones may indicate an interaction, while others do not.
When an interaction is reported, it is due to the fact that both medications have been reported to cause QT prolongation as a side effect in some individuals, so the 'interaction' is essentially an increased risk of QT prolongation occurring.
QT prolongation refers to an abnormality in the electrical rhythm of the heart that can increase the risk of serious arrhythmias, including torsades de pointes (Tdp).
It is important to note that while Lexapro has a fairly definitive association with QT prolongation (it's mentioned in the prescribing information for the drug), Pepcid is generally not associated with it.
The occurrence of QT prolongation with Pepcid appears to be rare, and when reported, it has occurred in those with impaired renal (i.e., kidney) function where the dosing intervals might not have been appropriately adjusted. The prescribing information for Pepcid notes QT prolongation only in those reduced kidney function:
QT Prolongation: Advise patients with moderate and severe renal impairment of the risk of QT interval prolongation. Report new cardiac symptoms, such as palpitations, fainting and dizziness or lightheadedness immediately to a healthcare provider.
So, the overall risk of the combination of Pepcid and Lexapro causing QT prolongation and related side effects is considered to be very low (unless you have a condition that puts you more at risk, like reduced kidney function).
Final Words
As always, it is best to consult with your healthcare provider to assess your individual situation and make an informed decision about taking Lexapro and Pepcid together. They can evaluate factors such as your medical history, current medications, dosage adjustments, and any preexisting conditions that may increase the risk of QT prolongation.
References & sources
Glossary — Terms in This Answer
- QT prolongation
- An abnormality in the electrical rhythm of the heart that can increase the risk of serious irregular heartbeats.
- Lexapro
- A prescription antidepressant medication (escitalopram) used to treat depression and anxiety disorders.
- Pepcid
- An over-the-counter medication (famotidine) used to reduce stomach acid and treat heartburn and acid reflux.
- Arrhythmias
- Irregular or abnormal heartbeats that can be too fast, too slow, or occur in an erratic pattern.
- Torsades de pointes
- A serious and potentially life-threatening type of irregular heartbeat that can result from QT prolongation.
- Renal function
- The ability of the kidneys to filter waste products and excess water from the blood.
- Palpitations
- A sensation of feeling your heartbeat, often described as a pounding, racing, or fluttering feeling in the chest.
- Prescribing information
- Official documentation from a drug manufacturer that outlines a medication's uses, dosage, side effects, and warnings.
Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Doctor of Pharmacy, board certified clinical pharmacist (BCPS), American Herbalist Guild, Medication Therapy Management certified
Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS, is a licensed pharmacist with more than 13 years of experience across retail pharmacy, clinical pharmacy, medication safety, pharmacy program development, and healthcare administration. He is the founder of HelloPharmacist.com, where he helps patients...
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