[Citalopram, escitalopram and prolonged QT: warning or alarm?]

Abstract

The alerts issued by regulatory agencies on the potential cardiac toxicity of citalopram and escitalopram have caused alarm among clinicians. A review of the data concerning this topic shows that the alarm should be limited to patients with a history of syncope or poisoning. As a precautionary measure, an electrocardiogram should be performed on elderly patients.

Keywords: Alerta; Cardiotoxicidad; Cardiotoxicity; Citalopram; Escitalopram; QT; Warning.