Drug interactions
Citalopram + Diclofenac
Severity: Moderate
Citalopram and Diclofenac: 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
Citalopram impairs platelet function and, combined with diclofenac, increases the risk of gastrointestinal and other bleeding, particularly in older patients or those with prior ulcers.
What this interaction means in plain words
Citalopram and Diclofenac 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; Diclofenac belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Additive platelet dysfunction from SSRI-reduced platelet serotonin and NSAID COX-1 inhibition, plus NSAID gastric mucosal injury.
What to do
Avoid the combination where possible; if needed, add a proton pump inhibitor and monitor for GI 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?
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Other interactions of Diclofenac
- Diclofenac + Ketorolac Contraindicated
- Diclofenac + Ketorolac intranasal Contraindicated
- Aceclofenac + Diclofenac Major
- Acemetacin + Diclofenac Major
- Alteplase + Diclofenac Major
- Amiloride + Diclofenac 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 Diclofenac?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Citalopram and Diclofenac 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 impairs platelet function and, combined with diclofenac, increases the risk of gastrointestinal and other bleeding, particularly in older patients or those with prior ulcers.
How serious is the interaction between Citalopram and Diclofenac?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid the combination where possible; if needed, add a proton pump inhibitor and monitor for GI bleeding.
What other medicines interact with Diclofenac?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Diclofenac with, for example, Ketorolac, Ketorolac intranasal, Aceclofenac. The full list is on the Diclofenac page.
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