Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 18, 2026

Thermostabilization, Expression, Purification, and Crystallization of the Human Serotonin Transporter Bound to S-citalopram
Published on: November 27, 2016
Citalopram, QTc Prolongation, and Torsades de Pointes
Rajesh R Tampi1, Michael Balderas2, Kathleen V Carter3
1Department of Psychiatry, Regional Academic Health Center, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, Harlingen, TX (RRT, MM, AK, JM).
Objectives:
The aim of this systematic review is to identify case reports of citalopram use resulting in QTc prolongation, torsades de pointes, or both, in the medical literature.
Methods:
A literature search was conducted of PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, and PsycINFO databases for case reports published in any language that reported the relationship between citalopram use and the development of QTc prolongation or torsades de pointes or both. In addition, bibliographic databases of published articles were searched for additional cases.
Results:
A total of 18 case reports of citalopram use resulting in QTc prolongation were identified. Of these, 10 cases were also associated with the development of torsades de pointes. A total of 14 cases occurred in women and 4 in men. There were 7 cases involving an overdose with citalopram. Of the 18 cases, 12 occurred in individuals who were aged <60 years and 6 were in individuals aged >60 years. In 8 of the 18 cases, the individuals were taking a dose between 20 and 60mg of citalopram in a day. Hypertension was the most common comorbid medical condition, as seen in 5 of the cases.
Conclusions:
QTc prolongation or torsades de pointes are infrequently reported adverse effects associated with citalopram use.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Antiarrhythmic Drugs: Class III Agents as Potassium Channel Blockers
ECG Interpretation of Arrhythmias II: Atrial, Junctional and Ventricular Arrhythmias
Nonlinear Pharmacokinetics: Dependence of Elimination Half-Life and Dose Clearance
A study on guinea pigs examined the...
Antiepileptic Drugs: Potassium Channel Activators
Ezogabine has gained approval as an adjunctive treatment...
Antiarrhythmic Drugs: Class IV Agents as Calcium Channel Blockers
Verapamil, a calcium channel blocker, inhibits calcium movement across myocardial cell membranes and vascular smooth muscle. This results in the dilation of coronary and...
Antiarrhythmic Drugs: Class I Agents as Sodium Channel Blockers
Class 1A Antiarrhythmic Drugs: These drugs work by moderately blocking sodium channels,...

