Drug interactions
Citalopram + Nabumetone
Severity: Major
Citalopram and Nabumetone: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: Base de donnees publique des medicaments (France)
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 combined with nabumetone increases the risk of bleeding, especially upper gastrointestinal bleeding, above that of either drug alone. The risk is higher in older patients and those with prior ulcers or on anticoagulants.
What this interaction means in plain words
Citalopram and Nabumetone 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; Nabumetone belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
SSRIs deplete platelet serotonin and impair aggregation while NSAIDs inhibit platelet cyclooxygenase and damage gastric mucosa, producing additive bleeding risk.
What to do
Avoid the combination where possible; otherwise use the lowest NSAID dose for the shortest time and consider a proton pump inhibitor for gastroprotection. Counsel patients to report black stools or hematemesis.
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 Nabumetone
- Ketorolac intranasal + Nabumetone Contraindicated
- Ketorolac + Nabumetone Contraindicated
- Aceclofenac + Nabumetone Major
- Acemetacin + Nabumetone Major
- Acetylsalicylic acid + Nabumetone Major
- Alteplase + Nabumetone 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 Nabumetone?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Citalopram and Nabumetone 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 combined with nabumetone increases the risk of bleeding, especially upper gastrointestinal bleeding, above that of either drug alone. The risk is higher in older patients and those with prior ulcers or on anticoagulants.
How serious is the interaction between Citalopram and Nabumetone?
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; otherwise use the lowest NSAID dose for the shortest time and consider a proton pump inhibitor for gastroprotection. Counsel patients to report black stools or hematemesis.
What other medicines interact with Nabumetone?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Nabumetone with, for example, Ketorolac intranasal, Ketorolac, Aceclofenac. The full list is on the Nabumetone page.
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