Drug interactions
Citalopram + Dabigatran etexilate
Severity: Moderate
Citalopram and Dabigatran etexilate: 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 such as citalopram reduce platelet serotonin and impair platelet aggregation, which increases bleeding risk when combined with anticoagulants. Gastrointestinal bleeding is the most common manifestation.
What this interaction means in plain words
Citalopram and Dabigatran etexilate 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; Dabigatran etexilate belongs to Cardiovascular.
Why it happens
Depletion of platelet serotonin impairs platelet function, adding to the anticoagulant effect of dabigatran.
What to do
Monitor for signs of bleeding and consider gastroprotection in high-risk patients. Review the need for the SSRI if bleeding occurs.
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 Dabigatran etexilate
- Dabigatran etexilate + Defibrotide Contraindicated
- Dabigatran etexilate + Ketorolac Contraindicated
- Dabigatran etexilate + Mifepristone Contraindicated
- Abciximab + Dabigatran etexilate Major
- Alteplase + Dabigatran etexilate Major
- Amiodarone + Dabigatran etexilate 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 Citalopram with Dabigatran etexilate?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Citalopram and Dabigatran etexilate 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 such as citalopram reduce platelet serotonin and impair platelet aggregation, which increases bleeding risk when combined with anticoagulants. Gastrointestinal bleeding is the most common manifestation.
How serious is the interaction between Citalopram and Dabigatran etexilate?
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 signs of bleeding and consider gastroprotection in high-risk patients. Review the need for the SSRI if bleeding occurs.
What other medicines interact with Dabigatran etexilate?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Dabigatran etexilate with, for example, Defibrotide, Ketorolac, Mifepristone. The full list is on the Dabigatran etexilate page.
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