Drug interactions
Citalopram + Meclofenamic acid
Severity: Major
Citalopram and Meclofenamic acid: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: UK SmPC
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 combined with NSAIDs substantially increase the risk of upper gastrointestinal bleeding compared with either drug alone. The risk is highest in older patients and those with prior ulcers or on anticoagulants.
What this interaction means in plain words
Citalopram and Meclofenamic acid 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; Meclofenamic acid belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
SSRI depletion of platelet serotonin impairs aggregation, adding to NSAID platelet inhibition and gastric mucosal injury.
What to do
Avoid the combination where possible and use paracetamol instead. If both are needed, add a proton pump inhibitor and monitor for signs of 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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References
Other interactions of Meclofenamic acid
- Ketorolac intranasal + Meclofenamic acid Contraindicated
- Ketorolac + Meclofenamic acid Contraindicated
- Aceclofenac + Meclofenamic acid Major
- Acemetacin + Meclofenamic acid Major
- Alteplase + Meclofenamic acid Major
- Amiloride + Meclofenamic acid 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 Meclofenamic acid?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Citalopram and Meclofenamic acid 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. SSRIs combined with NSAIDs substantially increase the risk of upper gastrointestinal bleeding compared with either drug alone. The risk is highest in older patients and those with prior ulcers or on anticoagulants.
How serious is the interaction between Citalopram and Meclofenamic acid?
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 the combination where possible and use paracetamol instead. If both are needed, add a proton pump inhibitor and monitor for signs of bleeding.
What other medicines interact with Meclofenamic acid?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Meclofenamic acid with, for example, Ketorolac intranasal, Ketorolac, Aceclofenac. The full list is on the Meclofenamic acid page.
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