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Drug interactions

Cilostazol + Citalopram

Severity: Moderate

Cilostazol 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

SSRIs reduce platelet serotonin uptake and increase bleeding risk, which may be compounded by the antiplatelet effect of cilostazol. Bleeding is mostly gastrointestinal or cutaneous.

What this interaction means in plain words

Cilostazol 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.

Cilostazol belongs to Cardiovascular; Citalopram belongs to Central Nervous System.

Evidence level: Moderate

Why it happens

Additive impairment of platelet function by serotonin reuptake inhibition and PDE3 inhibition.

What to do

Monitor for bleeding and bruising; consider gastroprotection in patients at high risk of gastrointestinal bleeding.

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?

Bring a full list of your medicines, including over-the-counter products, supplements and herbal remedies, to every pharmacy visit.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I take Cilostazol with Citalopram?

MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Cilostazol 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. SSRIs reduce platelet serotonin uptake and increase bleeding risk, which may be compounded by the antiplatelet effect of cilostazol. Bleeding is mostly gastrointestinal or cutaneous.

How serious is the interaction between Cilostazol 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: Monitor for bleeding and bruising; consider gastroprotection in patients at high risk of gastrointestinal bleeding.

What other medicines interact with Cilostazol?

MediHelp also lists interactions of Cilostazol with, for example, Abrocitinib, Anagrelide, Betrixaban. The full list is on the Cilostazol page.

Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app

Open the complete reference, check multi-drug interactions and use dosing tools in the MediHelp app.

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