Drug interactions
Citalopram + Clopidogrel
Severity: Moderate
Citalopram and Clopidogrel: 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 content and increase bleeding risk, particularly gastrointestinal bleeding, when combined with antiplatelet agents. Citalopram may also be a weak CYP2C19 substrate competing with clopidogrel activation.
What this interaction means in plain words
Citalopram and Clopidogrel 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.
Citalopram belongs to Central Nervous System; Clopidogrel belongs to Cardiovascular.
Why it happens
Additive effect on platelet function through depleted platelet serotonin plus P2Y12 inhibition.
What to do
Monitor for bleeding and consider gastroprotection in high-risk patients; avoid unnecessary combination use.
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 Clopidogrel
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 Citalopram with Clopidogrel?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Citalopram and Clopidogrel 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 content and increase bleeding risk, particularly gastrointestinal bleeding, when combined with antiplatelet agents. Citalopram may also be a weak CYP2C19 substrate competing with clopidogrel activation.
How serious is the interaction between Citalopram and Clopidogrel?
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 consider gastroprotection in high-risk patients; avoid unnecessary combination use.
What other medicines interact with Clopidogrel?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Clopidogrel with, for example, Ombitasvir / paritaprevir / ritonavir and dasabuvir, Abrocitinib, Acetylsalicylic acid. The full list is on the Clopidogrel page.
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