Drug interactions
Citalopram + Salsalate
Severity: Moderate
Citalopram and Salsalate: 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
Salsalate is a salicylate NSAID, and combining it with an SSRI raises the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding. Platelet inhibition by citalopram adds to the mucosal injury caused by the NSAID.
What this interaction means in plain words
Citalopram and Salsalate 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.
Why it happens
Additive effects on platelet function and gastric mucosal injury.
What to do
Monitor for bleeding and consider gastroprotection in patients at risk. Use paracetamol instead when feasible.
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 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 Salsalate?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Citalopram and Salsalate 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. Salsalate is a salicylate NSAID, and combining it with an SSRI raises the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding. Platelet inhibition by citalopram adds to the mucosal injury caused by the NSAID.
How serious is the interaction between Citalopram and Salsalate?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor for bleeding and consider gastroprotection in patients at risk. Use paracetamol instead when feasible.
What other medicines interact with Citalopram?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Citalopram with, for example, Cisapride, Dronedarone, Escitalopram. The full list is on the Citalopram page.
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