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QT-prolonging interaction — GPhC CRA MCQ

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HardDrug InteractionsQT-prolonging interactionGPhC CRA

A 68-year-old man taking quetiapine 300 mg at night and citalopram 20 mg daily is prescribed clarithromycin for a chest infection. His last ECG showed QTc 470 ms. What is the most important interaction to flag?

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Correct answer: BClarithromycin may increase QT prolongation risk with his psychotropic medicines

Clarithromycin can prolong QT interval and inhibit metabolism of several medicines. This patient already has prolonged QTc and is taking citalopram and quetiapine, both relevant to QT risk. The prescriber should review antibiotic choice and cardiac risk before supply. The concern is arrhythmia risk rather than reduced psychiatric medicine exposure.

Reference: BNF