Drug interactions
Citalopram + Oxaprozin
Severity: Major
Citalopram and Oxaprozin: 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 increase the risk of upper gastrointestinal bleeding well above that of either drug alone. The risk is higher in older adults and those with prior ulcer disease.
What this interaction means in plain words
Citalopram and Oxaprozin 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; Oxaprozin belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
SSRIs deplete platelet serotonin and impair aggregation while NSAIDs impair platelet function and damage gastric mucosa, giving additive bleeding risk.
What to do
Avoid the combination where possible, or add a proton pump inhibitor and monitor for signs of GI bleeding such as melena or anemia.
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 Oxaprozin
- Ketorolac intranasal + Oxaprozin Contraindicated
- Ketorolac + Oxaprozin Contraindicated
- Aceclofenac + Oxaprozin Major
- Acemetacin + Oxaprozin Major
- Acetylsalicylic acid + Oxaprozin Major
- Alteplase + Oxaprozin 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 Oxaprozin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Citalopram and Oxaprozin 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 increase the risk of upper gastrointestinal bleeding well above that of either drug alone. The risk is higher in older adults and those with prior ulcer disease.
How serious is the interaction between Citalopram and Oxaprozin?
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, or add a proton pump inhibitor and monitor for signs of GI bleeding such as melena or anemia.
What other medicines interact with Oxaprozin?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Oxaprozin with, for example, Ketorolac intranasal, Ketorolac, Aceclofenac. The full list is on the Oxaprozin page.
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