Drug interactions
Escitalopram + Meclofenamate
Severity: Major
Escitalopram and Meclofenamate: 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
Escitalopram impairs platelet aggregation, and meclofenamate is an NSAID that damages gastric mucosa and inhibits platelets. The combination increases the risk of gastrointestinal and other bleeding.
What this interaction means in plain words
Escitalopram and Meclofenamate 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.
Why it happens
Additive pharmacodynamic effect: SSRI depletion of platelet serotonin plus NSAID cyclooxygenase inhibition.
What to do
Avoid if possible, or use the lowest effective NSAID dose for the shortest time. Consider gastroprotection with a proton pump inhibitor and monitor for bleeding.
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 Escitalopram
- Cisapride + Escitalopram Contraindicated
- Citalopram + Escitalopram Contraindicated
- Escitalopram + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Escitalopram + Methylene blue Contraindicated
- Escitalopram + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Escitalopram + Pimozide Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Escitalopram with Meclofenamate?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Escitalopram and Meclofenamate 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. Escitalopram impairs platelet aggregation, and meclofenamate is an NSAID that damages gastric mucosa and inhibits platelets. The combination increases the risk of gastrointestinal and other bleeding.
How serious is the interaction between Escitalopram and Meclofenamate?
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 if possible, or use the lowest effective NSAID dose for the shortest time. Consider gastroprotection with a proton pump inhibitor and monitor for bleeding.
What other medicines interact with Escitalopram?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Escitalopram with, for example, Cisapride, Citalopram, Isocarboxazid. The full list is on the Escitalopram page.
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