Drug interactions
Citalopram + Mefenamic acid
Severity: Moderate
Citalopram and Mefenamic acid: 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
Combining an NSAID with an SSRI raises the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding above that of either drug alone. The risk is greater in older patients and those with prior ulcers or on anticoagulants.
What this interaction means in plain words
Citalopram and Mefenamic acid 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; Mefenamic acid belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
SSRIs deplete platelet serotonin and impair aggregation, while NSAIDs inhibit platelet cyclooxygenase and damage gastric mucosa, giving additive bleeding risk.
What to do
Avoid if possible or limit NSAID duration, and consider gastroprotection with a proton pump inhibitor in at-risk patients. Advise patients to report black stools or hematemesis.
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 Mefenamic acid
- Ketorolac intranasal + Mefenamic acid Contraindicated
- Ketorolac + Mefenamic acid Contraindicated
- Aceclofenac + Mefenamic acid Major
- Acemetacin + Mefenamic acid Major
- Acetylsalicylic acid + Mefenamic acid Major
- Alteplase + Mefenamic 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 Mefenamic acid?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Citalopram and Mefenamic acid 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. Combining an NSAID with an SSRI raises the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding above that of either drug alone. The risk is greater in older patients and those with prior ulcers or on anticoagulants.
How serious is the interaction between Citalopram and Mefenamic acid?
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 if possible or limit NSAID duration, and consider gastroprotection with a proton pump inhibitor in at-risk patients. Advise patients to report black stools or hematemesis.
What other medicines interact with Mefenamic acid?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Mefenamic acid with, for example, Ketorolac intranasal, Ketorolac, Aceclofenac. The full list is on the Mefenamic acid page.
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