Drug interactions
Citalopram + Meloxicam
Severity: Major
Citalopram and Meloxicam: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: US FDA label
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 alone. The risk is higher in older adults and those with prior ulcers.
What this interaction means in plain words
Citalopram and Meloxicam 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; Meloxicam belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
SSRI depletion of platelet serotonin impairs aggregation, adding to NSAID platelet inhibition and mucosal injury.
What to do
Avoid the combination when possible; if needed, add a proton pump inhibitor and monitor for GI bleeding and anemia. Consider paracetamol as an alternative analgesic.
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 Meloxicam
- Ketorolac intranasal + Meloxicam Contraindicated
- Ketorolac + Meloxicam Contraindicated
- Aceclofenac + Meloxicam Major
- Acemetacin + Meloxicam Major
- Acetylsalicylic acid + Meloxicam Major
- Alteplase + Meloxicam 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 Meloxicam?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Citalopram and Meloxicam 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 alone. The risk is higher in older adults and those with prior ulcers.
How serious is the interaction between Citalopram and Meloxicam?
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 when possible; if needed, add a proton pump inhibitor and monitor for GI bleeding and anemia. Consider paracetamol as an alternative analgesic.
What other medicines interact with Meloxicam?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Meloxicam with, for example, Ketorolac intranasal, Ketorolac, Aceclofenac. The full list is on the Meloxicam page.
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