Drug interactions
Escitalopram + Salsalate
Severity: Moderate
Escitalopram 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
Escitalopram impairs platelet function, and salsalate is a salicylate NSAID that can irritate the gut. The combination increases the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding, though salsalate has relatively weak antiplatelet action.
What this interaction means in plain words
Escitalopram 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: SSRI depletion of platelet serotonin plus NSAID mucosal injury.
What to do
Use the lowest effective salsalate dose and monitor for signs of bleeding. Consider a proton pump inhibitor in patients at high gastrointestinal risk.
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 Salsalate?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Escitalopram 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. Escitalopram impairs platelet function, and salsalate is a salicylate NSAID that can irritate the gut. The combination increases the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding, though salsalate has relatively weak antiplatelet action.
How serious is the interaction between Escitalopram 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: Use the lowest effective salsalate dose and monitor for signs of bleeding. Consider a proton pump inhibitor in patients at high gastrointestinal risk.
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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