Drug interactions
Acetylsalicylic acid + Citalopram
Severity: Moderate
Acetylsalicylic acid and Citalopram: moderate interaction.
Last updated
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Combining an SSRI with aspirin increases the risk of bleeding, particularly upper gastrointestinal bleeding. The risk is greater in older patients and those with a prior ulcer or other bleeding risk factors.
What this interaction means in plain words
Acetylsalicylic acid and Citalopram can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Acetylsalicylic acid belongs to Musculoskeletal; Citalopram belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
SSRIs deplete platelet serotonin and impair aggregation, adding to aspirin's antiplatelet effect and gastric mucosal injury.
What to do
Assess whether aspirin is truly necessary and consider a proton pump inhibitor for patients at high GI risk. Counsel patients to report black stools, hematemesis or unusual bruising.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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Other interactions of Acetylsalicylic acid
- Acetylsalicylic acid + Ketorolac Contraindicated
- Acetylsalicylic acid + Ketorolac intranasal Contraindicated
- Abciximab + Acetylsalicylic acid Major
- Acemetacin + Acetylsalicylic acid Major
- Acetazolamide + Acetylsalicylic acid Major
- Acetylsalicylic acid + Alteplase Major
Other interactions of Citalopram
- Cisapride + Citalopram Contraindicated
- Citalopram + Dronedarone Contraindicated
- Citalopram + Escitalopram Contraindicated
- Citalopram + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Citalopram + Methylene blue Contraindicated
- Citalopram + Phenelzine Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Acetylsalicylic acid with Citalopram?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Acetylsalicylic acid and Citalopram can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Combining an SSRI with aspirin increases the risk of bleeding, particularly upper gastrointestinal bleeding. The risk is greater in older patients and those with a prior ulcer or other bleeding risk factors.
How serious is the interaction between Acetylsalicylic acid and Citalopram?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Assess whether aspirin is truly necessary and consider a proton pump inhibitor for patients at high GI risk. Counsel patients to report black stools, hematemesis or unusual bruising.
What other medicines interact with Acetylsalicylic acid?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Acetylsalicylic acid with, for example, Ketorolac, Ketorolac intranasal, Abciximab. The full list is on the Acetylsalicylic acid page.
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