Drug interactions
Chlorothiazide + Citalopram
Severity: Moderate
Chlorothiazide 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
Both SSRIs and thiazide diuretics can cause hyponatremia, and together the risk is increased, especially in older adults. Symptoms range from confusion and headache to seizures.
What this interaction means in plain words
Chlorothiazide 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.
Chlorothiazide belongs to Cardiovascular; Citalopram belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
SSRIs cause SIADH while thiazides increase renal sodium loss, giving additive hyponatremia.
What to do
Check serum sodium at baseline and within the first few weeks of combined therapy, particularly in older patients. Stop or change one agent if sodium falls significantly or symptoms develop.
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 Citalopram
- Cisapride + Citalopram Contraindicated
- Citalopram + Dronedarone Contraindicated
- Citalopram + Escitalopram Contraindicated
- Citalopram + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Citalopram + Methylene blue Contraindicated
- Citalopram + Phenelzine Contraindicated
Other interactions of Chlorothiazide
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Chlorothiazide with Citalopram?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Chlorothiazide 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. Both SSRIs and thiazide diuretics can cause hyponatremia, and together the risk is increased, especially in older adults. Symptoms range from confusion and headache to seizures.
How serious is the interaction between Chlorothiazide 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: Check serum sodium at baseline and within the first few weeks of combined therapy, particularly in older patients. Stop or change one agent if sodium falls significantly or symptoms develop.
What other medicines interact with Citalopram?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Citalopram with, for example, Cisapride, Dronedarone, Escitalopram. The full list is on the Citalopram page.
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