Drug interactions
Citalopram + Flurbiprofen
Severity: Moderate
Citalopram and Flurbiprofen: 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 serotonin uptake and, with an NSAID, markedly increases the risk of upper gastrointestinal bleeding. The risk is highest in older patients and those with prior ulcers or on anticoagulants.
What this interaction means in plain words
Citalopram and Flurbiprofen 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; Flurbiprofen belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Serotonin reuptake inhibition depletes platelet serotonin, adding to NSAID COX-1 platelet inhibition and gastric mucosal injury.
What to do
Avoid the combination where possible, otherwise use the lowest NSAID dose for the shortest time with a proton pump inhibitor in high-risk patients. Monitor for melena, hematemesis or anemia.
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 Flurbiprofen
- Flurbiprofen + Ketorolac Contraindicated
- Flurbiprofen + Ketorolac intranasal Contraindicated
- Aceclofenac + Flurbiprofen Major
- Acemetacin + Flurbiprofen Major
- Acetylsalicylic acid + Flurbiprofen Major
- Alteplase + Flurbiprofen 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 Flurbiprofen?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Citalopram and Flurbiprofen 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 serotonin uptake and, with an NSAID, markedly increases the risk of upper gastrointestinal bleeding. The risk is highest in older patients and those with prior ulcers or on anticoagulants.
How serious is the interaction between Citalopram and Flurbiprofen?
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, otherwise use the lowest NSAID dose for the shortest time with a proton pump inhibitor in high-risk patients. Monitor for melena, hematemesis or anemia.
What other medicines interact with Flurbiprofen?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Flurbiprofen with, for example, Ketorolac, Ketorolac intranasal, Aceclofenac. The full list is on the Flurbiprofen page.
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