Citalopram capsules are indicated for the treatment of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) in adults [see Clinical Studies (14) ] . Citalopram capsules is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) indicated for treatment of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) in adults ( 1 ).
Contraindications
Citalopram capsules is 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 capsules.
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 an MAOI ( 4 ). Concomitant use of pimozide ( 4 ). Known hypersensitivity to citalopram or any of the inactive ingredients of citalopram capsules ( 4 ).
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 capsules 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 capsules 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 it occurs, discontinue citalopram capsules and serotonergic agents and initiate supportive treatment ( 4 , 5.3 , 7 ). 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 or Hypomania : Screen patients for bipolar disorder ( 5.5 ). Discontinuation Syndrome : When discontinuing citalopram capsules, reduce dosage gradually and monitor for discontinuation symptoms. Gradual reduction will require use of another citalopram product ( 5.6 ). Seizures : Use with caution in patients with seizure disorder ( 5.7 ). Angle Closure Glaucoma : Avoid use of citalopram capsules in patients with untreated anatomically narrow angles treated ( 5.8 ).
Hyponatremia : Can occur in association with syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion ( 5.9 ). Sexual Dysfunction : Citalopram capsules may cause symptoms of sexual dysfunction ( 5.10 ).
5.1Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors in Adolescent 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 over 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. These drug-placebo differences in the number of cases of suicidal thoughts and behaviors per 1,000 patients treated are provided in Table 1. Table 1: Risk Differences of the Number of Patients with Suicidal Thoughts or Behavior in the Pooled Placebo-Controlled Trials of Antidepressants in Pediatric* and Adult Patients Age Range Drug-Placebo Difference in Number of Patients* with Suicidal Thoughts or Behaviors per 1,000 Patients Treated Increases Compared to Placebo <18 years old 14 additional cases 18 to 24 years old 5 additional cases Decreases Compared to Placebo 25 to 64 years old 1 fewer case ≥65 years old 6 fewer cases *Citalopram capsules is not approved for use in pediatric 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 any indication 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 capsules, 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 Pointes (TdP), ventricular tachycardia, and sudden death, all of which have been observed in postmarketing reports for citalopram [see Adverse Reactions 6.2) ] . Because of the risk of QTc prolongation at higher citalopram doses, it is recommended that citalopram should not be given at doses above 40 mg/day [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.2) ] .
Avoid use of citalopram capsules in CYP2C19 poor metabolizers, patients receiving concomitant cimetidine or another CYP2C19 inhibitor, patients with hepatic impairment, and patients who are greater than 60 years of age, because citalopram capsules are only available in a 30 mg dose strength and dosage adjustments are not possible [see Drug Interactions (7) , Use in Specific Populations (8.5 , 8.6 ), Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] .
Citalopram should be avoided in patients with congenital long QT syndrome, bradycardia, hypokalemia or hypomagnesemia, recent acute myocardial infarction, or uncompensated heart failure unless the benefits outweigh the risks for a particular patient. Citalopram should also not be used in patients who are taking other drugs that prolong the QTc interval [see Drug Interactions (7) ] . Such drugs include Class 1A (e.g., quinidine, procainamide) or Class III (e.g., amiodarone, sotalol) antiarrhythmic medications, antipsychotic medications (e.g., chlorpromazine, thioridazine), antibiotics (e.g., gatifloxacin, moxifloxacin), or any other class of medications known to prolong the QTc interval (e.g., pentamidine, levomethadyl acetate, methadone).
Electrolyte and/or ECG monitoring is recommended in certain circumstances. Patients being considered for citalopram treatment who are at risk for significant electrolyte disturbances should have baseline serum potassium and magnesium measurements with periodic monitoring. Hypokalemia (and/or hypomagnesemia) may increase the risk of QTc prolongation and arrhythmia, and should be corrected prior to initiation of treatment and periodically monitored.
ECG monitoring is recommended in patients for whom citalopram use is not recommended unless the benefits clearly outweigh the risks for a particular patient (see above). These include those patients with the cardiac conditions noted above, and those taking other drugs that may prolong the QTc interval. Discontinue citalopram capsules in patients who are found to have persistent QTc measurements >500 ms. If patients taking citalopram capsules experience symptoms that could indicate the occurrence of cardiac arrhythmias, e.g., dizziness, palpitations, or syncope, the prescriber should initiate further evaluation, including cardiac monitoring.
5.3Serotonin Syndrome
SSRIs, including citalopram capsules, can precipitate serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition. The risk is increased with concomitant use of other serotonergic drugs (including triptans, tricyclic antidepressants, fentanyl, lithium, tramadol, meperidine, methadone, tryptophan, buspirone, amphetamines, and St. John’s Wort) and with drugs that impair metabolism of serotonin, i.e., MAOIs [see Contraindications (4) , Drug Interactions (7) ] .
Serotonin syndrome can also occur when these drugs are used alone. Serotonin syndrome symptoms may include mental status changes (e.g., agitation, hallucinations, delirium, and coma), autonomic instability (e.g., tachycardia, labile blood pressure, dizziness, diaphoresis, flushing, hyperthermia), neuromuscular symptoms (e.g., tremor, rigidity, myoclonus, hyperreflexia, incoordination), seizures, and gastrointestinal symptoms (e.g., nausea, vomiting, diarrhea).
The concomitant use of citalopram capsules with MAOIs is contraindicated. In addition, do not initiate citalopram capsu
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Interactions
Table 5 presents clinically important drug interactions with citalopram capsules. Table 5: Clinically Important Drug Interactions with Citalopram Capsules Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) Clinical Impact: Concomitant use of SSRIs, including citalopram capsules, and MAOIs increases the risk of serotonin syndrome. Intervention: Citalopram capsules is contraindicated in patients taking MAOIs, including MAOIs such as linezolid or intravenous methylene blue [see Dosage and Administration (2.3) , 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 (12.3) ]. Intervention: Citalopram capsules 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 (12.3) ]. Intervention: Avoid concomitant use of citalopram capsules with drugs that prolong the QT interval (citalopram capsules 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 (12.3) ]. Intervention: Avoid concomitant use of citalopram capsules with CYP2C19 inhibitors [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ]. Other Serotonergic Drugs Clinical Impact: Concomitant use of citalopram capsules with 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 capsules initiation and changes in citalopram dosage. If serotonin syndrome occurs, consider discontinuation of citalopram capsules and/or concomitant serotonergic drugs [see Dosage and Administration (2.1 , 2.4 ), Warnings 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 capsules and antiplatelet agents and anticoagulants. For patients taking warfarin, carefully monitor the international normalized ratio [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ]. CYP2C19 inhibitors and CYP2C19 poor metabolizers: Avoid concomitant use. There is an increased risk of QT prolongation with concomitant use ( 7 ).
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
8.1Pregnancy 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 capsules, 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 capsules in the month before delivery may be associated with an increased risk of postpartum hemorrhage [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] . Fetal/Neonatal Adverse Reactions Neonates exposed to citalopram and other SSRIs late in third trimester have developed complications requiring prolonged hospitalization, respiratory support, and tube feeding.
Such complications can arise immediately upon delivery. Reported clinical findings have included respiratory distress, cyanosis, apnea, seizures, temperature instability, feeding difficulty, vomiting, hypoglycemia, hypotonia, hypertonia, hyperreflexia, tremor, jitteriness, irritability, and constant crying. These findings are consistent with either a direct toxic effect of SSRIs or possibly, a drug discontinuation syndrome.
It should be noted that, in some cases, the clinical picture is consistent with serotonin syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] . Data Human Data Exposure during late pregnancy to SSRIs may have an increased risk for persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN). PPHN occurs in 1 to 2 per 1,000 live births in the general population and is associated with substantial neonatal morbidity and mortality.
Animal Data Citalopram was administered orally to pregnant rats during the period of organogenesis at doses of 32, 56, and 112 mg/kg/day, which are approximately 8, 14, and 27 times the Maximum Recommended Human Dose (MRHD) of 40 mg, based on mg/m 2 body surface area. Citalopram caused maternal toxicity of CNS clinical signs and decreased weight gain at 112 mg/kg/day, which is 27 times the MRHD. At this maternally toxic dose, citalopram decreased embryo/fetal growth and survival and increased fetal abnormalities (including cardiovascular and skeletal defects).
The no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) for maternal and embryofetal toxicity is 56 mg/kg/day, which is approximately 14 times the MRHD. Citalopram was administered orally to pregnant rabbits during the period of organogenesis at doses up to 16 mg/kg/day, which is approximately 8 times the MRHD of 40 mg, based on mg/m 2 body surface area. No maternal or embryofetal toxicity was observed. The NOAEL for maternal and embryofetal toxicity is 16 mg/kg/day, which is approximately 8 times the MRHD.
Citalopram was administered orally to pregnant rats during late gestation and lactation periods at doses of 4.8, 12.8, and 32 mg/kg/day, which are approximately 1, 3, and 8 times the MRHD of 40 mg, based on mg/m 2 body surface area. Citalopram increased offspring mortality during the first 4 days of birth and decreased offspring growth at 32 mg/kg/day, which is approximately 8 times the MRHD. The NOAEL for developmental toxicity is 12.8 mg/kg/day, which is approximately 3 times the MRHD.
In a separate study, similar effects on offspring mortality and growth were seen when dams were treated throughout gestation and early lactation at doses ≥ 24 mg/kg/day, which is approximately 6 times the MRHD. A NOAEL was not determined in that study.
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 Adolescent 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 commonly observed adverse reactions (incidence at least twice the incidence of placebo) are: fever, arthalgia, myalgia, anorexia, agitation, yawning, sinusitis, ejaculation disorder (primarily ejaculatory delay), decreased libido, and impotence ( 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.
6.1Clinical Trials Experience
Because clinical studies are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical studies of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical studies of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. The safety of citalopram capsules for the treatment for major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults is based upon adequate and well-controlled studies of another citalopram product.
The results of these adequate and well-controlled studies of citalopram are presented below. The safety for citalopram included 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 placebo-controlled trials of up to 6 weeks in 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 Treatment in Short-Term, Placebo-Controlled, Depression Trials Body System/Adverse Reaction Citalopram* (N=1,063) % Placebo (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 * A patient can report more than one reason for discontinuation and be counted more than once in this table.
Table 3 enumerates 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 in 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* Body System/Adverse Reaction Citalopram (N=1,063) % Placebo (N=446) % Gastrointestinal Disorders Nausea 21 14 Diarrhea 8 5 Dyspepsia 5 4 Vomiting 4 3 Abdominal Pain 3 2 Autonomic Nervous System Disorders Dry Mouth 20 14 Sweating Increased 11 9 Psychiatric Disorders Somnolence 18 10 Insomnia 15 14 Anxiety 4 3 Anorexia 4 2 Agitation 3 1 Dysmenorrhea 1 3 2 Libido Decreased 2 <1 Yawning 2 <1 Central & Peripheral Nervous System Disorders Tremor 8 6 Urogenital Ejaculation Disorder 2,3 6 1 Impotence 3 3 <1 Respiratory System Disorders Upper Respiratory Tract Infection 5 4 Rhinitis 5 3 Sinusitis 3 <1 General Fatigue 5 3 Fever 2 <1 Musculoskeletal System Disorders Arthralgia 2 1 Myalgia 2 1 * Except for the following adverse reactions which had an incidence on placebo.
Citalopram: headache, asthenia, dizziness, constipation, palpitation, vision abnormal, sleep disorder, nervousness, pharyngitis, micturition disorder, back pain. 1 Denominator used was for females only (N=638 citalopram; N=252 placebo). 2 Primarily ejaculatory delay. 3 Denominator used was for males only (N=425 citalopram; N=194 placebo). Dose Dependency of Adverse Reactions The potential relationship between the dose of citalopram administered and the incidence of adverse reactions was examined in a fixed-dose study in depressed patients receiving placebo or citalopram 10 mg, 20 mg, 40 mg, and 60 mg (1.5 times the maximum recommended dosage of citalopram).
A positive dose response (p<0.05) for the following adverse reactions: fatigue, impotence, insomnia, sweating increased, somnolence, and yawning. Male and Female Sexual Dysfunction with SSRIs Although changes in sexual desire, sexual performance, and sexual satisfaction often occur as manifestations of a psychiatric disorder, they may also be a consequence of SSRI treatment. However, reliable estimates of the incidence and severity of untoward experiences involving sexual desire, performance, and satisfaction are difficult to obtain, in part because patients and health care providers may be reluctant to discuss them.
Accordingly, estimates of the incidence of untoward sexual experience and performance cited in product labeling are likely to underestimate their actual incidence. Table 4 below displays the incidence of sexual side effects reported by at least 2% of male patients taking citalopram in a pool of placebo-controlled clinical trials in patients with depression. Table 4: Adverse Reactions (≥2%) Related to Sexual Dysfunction in Citalopram- treated Male Patients in Pooled Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trials of MDD Treatment Citalopram Placebo n (males) 425 (%) 194 (%) Abnormal Ejaculation (mostly ejaculatory delay) 6.1 1 Libido Decreased 3.8 <1 Impotence 2.8 <1 In female depressed patients receiving citalopram, the reported incidence of decreased libido and anorgasmia was 1.3% (n=638 females) and 1.1% (n=252 females), respectively.
Weight Changes Patients treated with citalopram in controlled trials experienced a weight loss of about 0.5 kg compared to no change for placebo patients. ECG Changes In a thorough QT study, citalopram was found to be associated with a dose-dependent increase in the QTc interval. Electrocardiograms from citalopram (N=802) and placebo (N=241) groups were compared with respect to outliers defined as subjects with QTc changes over 60 msec from baseline or absolute values over 500 msec post-dose, and subjects with heart rate increases to over 100 bpm or decreases to less than 50 bpm with a 25% change from baseline (tachycardic or bradycardic outliers, respectively).
In the citalopram group 1.9% of the patients had a change from baseline in QTcF >60 msec compared to 1.2% of the patients in the placebo group. None of the patients in the placebo group had a post-dose QTcF >500 msec compared to 0.5% of the patients in the citalopram group. The incidence of tachycardic outliers was 0.5% in th
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Composition
Active ingredients
CITALOPRAM HYDROBROMIDE EQ 30MG BASE
Strengths and forms
The FDA lists each strength of a product separately; these pages share one label.
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