Drug interactions
Citalopram + Sulindac
Severity: Major
Citalopram and Sulindac: 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
Combining an SSRI with an NSAID increases the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding beyond that of either drug alone. The risk is higher in older adults and those with prior ulcers or on anticoagulants.
What this interaction means in plain words
Citalopram and Sulindac 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; Sulindac belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
SSRIs deplete platelet serotonin and impair aggregation, while NSAIDs inhibit platelet function and damage gastric mucosa.
What to do
Avoid the combination if possible; otherwise add a proton pump inhibitor for gastroprotection and monitor for GI bleeding and 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 Sulindac
- Ketorolac intranasal + Sulindac Contraindicated
- Ketorolac + Sulindac Contraindicated
- Aceclofenac + Sulindac Major
- Acetylsalicylic acid + Sulindac Major
- Alteplase + Sulindac Major
- Amiloride + Sulindac 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 Sulindac?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Citalopram and Sulindac 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. Combining an SSRI with an NSAID increases the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding beyond that of either drug alone. The risk is higher in older adults and those with prior ulcers or on anticoagulants.
How serious is the interaction between Citalopram and Sulindac?
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 if possible; otherwise add a proton pump inhibitor for gastroprotection and monitor for GI bleeding and anemia.
What other medicines interact with Sulindac?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Sulindac with, for example, Ketorolac intranasal, Ketorolac, Aceclofenac. The full list is on the Sulindac page.
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