Drug interactions
Escitalopram + Salicylates
Severity: Moderate
Escitalopram and Salicylates: 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
Escitalopram impairs platelet function and salicylates inhibit platelets and irritate the gastric mucosa. The combination raises the risk of gastrointestinal and other bleeding.
What this interaction means in plain words
Escitalopram and Salicylates 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: SSRI depletion of platelet serotonin plus salicylate inhibition of platelet function and mucosal injury.
What to do
Monitor for bleeding such as melena or bruising, and use the lowest effective salicylate dose. Consider gastroprotection in older patients or those with prior ulcers.
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 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 Salicylates?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Escitalopram and Salicylates 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. Escitalopram impairs platelet function and salicylates inhibit platelets and irritate the gastric mucosa. The combination raises the risk of gastrointestinal and other bleeding.
How serious is the interaction between Escitalopram and Salicylates?
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 such as melena or bruising, and use the lowest effective salicylate dose. Consider gastroprotection in older patients or those with prior ulcers.
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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