Drug interactions
Citalopram + Ketoprofen
Severity: Major
Citalopram and Ketoprofen: major 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
Concurrent use of an NSAID and an SSRI substantially increases the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding compared with either drug alone. The risk is greatest in older patients and those with prior ulcer disease.
What this interaction means in plain words
Citalopram and Ketoprofen can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Citalopram belongs to Central Nervous System; Ketoprofen belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
SSRIs deplete platelet serotonin impairing aggregation, while NSAIDs inhibit platelet thromboxane and damage gastric mucosa.
What to do
Avoid if possible or use the lowest NSAID dose for the shortest duration, with a proton pump inhibitor for gastroprotection in at-risk patients. Monitor for signs of GI bleeding.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
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Other interactions of Ketoprofen
- Ketoprofen + Ketorolac Contraindicated
- Ketoprofen + Ketorolac intranasal Contraindicated
- Aceclofenac + Ketoprofen Major
- Acemetacin + Ketoprofen Major
- Acetylsalicylic acid + Ketoprofen Major
- Alteplase + Ketoprofen 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 Ketoprofen?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Citalopram and Ketoprofen can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Concurrent use of an NSAID and an SSRI substantially increases the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding compared with either drug alone. The risk is greatest in older patients and those with prior ulcer disease.
How serious is the interaction between Citalopram and Ketoprofen?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid if possible or use the lowest NSAID dose for the shortest duration, with a proton pump inhibitor for gastroprotection in at-risk patients. Monitor for signs of GI bleeding.
What other medicines interact with Ketoprofen?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Ketoprofen with, for example, Ketorolac, Ketorolac intranasal, Aceclofenac. The full list is on the Ketoprofen page.
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