Does Celexa cause UTIs? (5+ risk factors)
By
Ivan Kahwa
Author bio
Mr Ivan Kahwa is a chemist and phytopharmaceutical scientist with expertise in chemistry, pharmacology, phytochemistry, and Nanobiotechnology. He writes and reviews content on these topics.
Mr Ivan Kahwa’s Highlights:
Guest Researcher at the University of Leipzig, Senior Research Fellow/Scientist, and Lecturer at the Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
Professional Experience:
Mr Ivan joined PHARMBIOTRAC as a research fellow/scientist during his master of science tenure. He contributed to the development of most of the phytopharmaceutical products in the project. Furthermore, he participated in carrying out the pharmacological activities of the developed products in laboratory animals such as mice and rats in order to develop proper doses hence leading to pre-clinical studies.
With the above relevant research experience, Ivan started to work with the University of Leipzig on collaborative projects with Mbarara University to develop the chemistry of Ugandan Medicinal plants and their pharmacological activities. This was coupled with several consultative positions by different German NGOs. Mr. Kahwa is also a supporting in the teaching and learning at the Departments of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
With the increase in antimicrobial resistance globally, Ivan retooled his thinking towards developing new naturally derived antibiotic regimens from Ugandan propolis with the assistance of nanotechnology to improve their delivery to microbial cells. Kahwa has also published over 28 articles in peer-reviewed journals and he is currently reviewing for many journals.
Education:
2023-2027: PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences (ongoing) with a focus on Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Nanobiology at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
2022: 2Msc. in Pharmacognosy and Natural Medicine Science at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
2018: Bachelor of Science (Chemistry) at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
Publications:
▪ Iqbal, S., Jabeen, F., Kahwa, I., & Omara, T. 2023. Suberosin Alleviates Thiazolidinedione-Induced Cardiomyopathy in Diabetic Rats by Inhibiting Ferroptosis via Modulation of ACSL4-LPCAT3 and PI3K-AKT Signaling Pathways. Cardiovascular Toxicology. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12012-023-09804-7
▪ Gupta, A. K., Yadav, R., Sharma, S., Sawale, J., & Kahwa, I. 2023. Anti-ageing Activity and Antioxidant Activity of Methanol Extracts of Leaves and Flowers of Salvia officinalis and Rosmarinus officinalis. Journal of Young Pharmacists, 15(3), 448–455. https://doi.org/10.5530/jyp.2023.15.60
▪ Tolo, C.U., Kahwa, I., Nuwagira, U., Weisheit, A. and Ikiriza, H., 2023. Medicinal plants used in treatment of various diseases in the Rwenzori Region, Western Uganda. Ethnobotany Research and Applications, 25, pp.1-16.
https://ethnobotanyjournal.org/index.php/era/article/view/4683
▪ Kahwa, I., Ajayi, C.O., Yadav, R., Chauhan, N.S., Shah, K., Abdelgadir, A.A., Shegena, E.A., Daniel, S., Omara, T., Asiimwe, J.B. and Ikiriza, H., 2023. Pharmacognostic and phytochemical studies as an invaluable approach for correct identification of medicinal plants: The case of Artemisia vulgaris L. substituted for Artemisia annua L. in Western Uganda. TMR Integr Med, 7, p.e23004.
https://doi.org/10.53388/TMRIM202307004
▪ Nalimu, F., Oloro, J., Kahwa, I. and Ogwang, P.E., 2021. Review on the phytochemistry and toxicological profiles of Aloe vera and Aloe ferox. Future Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 7, pp.1-21.
https://doi.org/10.1186/s43094-021-00296-2
▪ Elamin, O.H.S., Ali, M.A., Elgezuli, I.A.A., Bashir, M.A. and Kahwa, I., 2021. Diagnosis of pre-and post-treatment of echinococcus granulosus with counter current immune electrophoresis and bacterial co-agglutination. Journal of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, 11(02), pp.88-94.
https://doi.org/10.5799/jmid.951600
Published book Chapter
▪ Kahwa, I., Ayesiga, I., Nakalema, S., Alinaiswe, R., Mbabazi, R. and Iqbal, S., 2023. Natural products in the management of onchocerciasis. In Natural Products in Vector-Borne Disease Management (pp. 63-80). Academic Press. Book Chapter.
https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-323-91942-5.00012-4
Submitted manuscripts Under Review:
▪ Comparison of the Wound Healing Activity of the Leaf and Leaf Ash Extracts of Vernonia amygdalina in Rats. Journal name: Clinical Phytoscience
▪ Ethnobotanical Survey of Medicinal plants used in the management of cancer in Uganda. Journal name: Journal of Herbal Medicine
▪ Ethnobotanical survey and phytochemical screening of medicinal plants used in treatment of epilepsy by PROMETRA-Uganda Traditional Health Practitioners in Mpigi District, Uganda. Journal name: Journal of Ethnopharmacology
Submitted book chapters under review
1.Book title: Algae as a Natural Solution for Water-Food-Energy Nexus, Section 4: Microalgae and cyanobacteria for food applications, Chapter 4.6: Safety, toxicological and allergenic aspects of using algae for food. Authors: Christine Kyarimpa, Tom Omute, Caroline K. Nakiguli, Alice V. Khanakwa4, Christopher Angiro, Ivan Kahwa, Fortunate Ahumuza, Timothy Omara*. Publisher: Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 152 Beach Road, #21-01/04 Gateway East, Singapore 189721, Singapore.
2.Book title: Nutraceuticals Inspiring the Contemporary Therapy for Lifestyle Diseases. Chapter: Nutraceutical applications of Seaweeds and their Phytocompounds in Nutrition and Treatment of Diseases. Authors: Ivan Kahwa, Timothy Omara , Innocent Ayesiga , Gael Noel Neh Neba Ambe , Zehbanaz Javidbhai Panwala , Rachel Mbabazi , Shabnoor Iqbal , Christine Kyarimpa , Christine Betty Nagawa , Kamal Shah ,Nagendra Singh Chauhan* Publisher: CRC Press
You can view my works on the following professional sites:
Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Ivan-Kahwa
Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=tOwrvqoAAAAJ&hl=en
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6440-3437
Linkedin: https://de.linkedin.com/in/ivan-kahwa-865450159
In this article, we will discuss whether Celexa causes urinary tract infections (UTIs). Additionally, we will also explore the available evidence and discuss potential risk factors that may influence the relationship between Celexa and UTIs.
Does Celexa cause UTIs?
Celexa (Citalopram) may or may not cause urinary tract infections (UTIs) in some individuals. However, most individuals who experienced UTIs while taking Celexa reported the onset of symptoms after prolonged use of this antidepressant (2).
Celexa is a selective serotonin receptor inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant that works by elevating serotonin levels in the brain. It is a well-prescribed medication for the management of anxiety and depressive disorders. Like many pharmaceuticals, Celexa has various side effects, but there has been a growing interest in investigating the connection between this medication and UTIs (1,2).
What does research suggest?
While research studies linking Celexa and UTIs are limited, some literature reviews suggest that UTIs could be a potential indirect side effect of Celexa (2).
A study published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine found that Celexa is associated with overactive bladder symptoms in a sample of urogynecological patients. This research revealed that these patients experienced urinary incontinence, which is a potential risk factor for UTIs in some individuals (3,4).
Additionally, another study indicated that Celexa could be linked to dehydration. Individuals taking Celexa may experience side effects such as excessive sweating, vomiting or decreased fluid intake due to loss of appetite, which can contribute to dehydration. Dehydration is a recognized risk factor for UTIs, as it can reduce the effective flushing out of bacteria from the urinary tract (5).
However, it’s worth noting that some studies have suggested that Celexa may reduce the likelihood of UTIs. By effectively treating depression and anxiety disorders, Celexa can lower the risk of a weakened immune system, thereby reducing the likelihood of encountering infections, including UTIs.
What are the potential risk factors influencing Celexa-induced UTI?
The potential risk factors influencing Celexa-induced urinary tract infections include:
- Decreased immune function – Celexa can indirectly affect an individual’s immune system, potentially making them more susceptible to infections, including UTIs.
- Dehydration – Celexa has the potential to induce dry mouth and dehydration which could potentially increase the risk of UTIs.
- Urinary retention – In some cases, Celexa can affect kidney and bladder function leading to urinary retention, which might increase the risk of UTIs.
- Sexual dysfunction – Celexa may impact sexual function, potentially causing changes in sexual behaviour and hygiene, which could indirectly increase the risk of UTIs.
- Comorbid conditions – Underlying health conditions such as diabetes and immunosuppression may predispose an individual to UTIs.
- Concurrent medications – Use of other medications, such as corticosteroids, while taking Celexa increases the likelihood of UTIs.
Other potential risk factors to consider
Other potential risk factors that you should consider while taking this medication include:
- Hormonal imbalance – Citalopram’s effect along the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA axis) may impact the synthesis and release of hormones, including antidiuretic hormone, potentially affecting urine output and composition and increasing the risk of UTIs.
- Changes in urine composition – Lifestyle factors, such as diet and hydration, have the potential to alter urine composition, which could increase the risk of UTIs while taking Citalopram.
- Hygiene – Poor personal hygiene may elevate the risk of UTIs
- Gender – In general, women are more predisposed to UTIs than men.
How to prevent and manage Celexa-induced UTIs?
If you suspect a connection between Celexa and UTIs, it is essential to consult your healthcare provider. They will evaluate your specific conditions and address your concerns to determine the cause and appropriate management.
Furthermore, if your doctor determines that Celexa may have contributed to UTIs, they might recommend discontinuing the medication under close supervision to reduce the likelihood of developing withdrawal symptoms.
Your doctor may also prescribe antibiotic medications such as nitrofurantoin and clindamycin, depending on the type of infection, to manage UTI should it occur.
To prevent UTIs while taking Citalopram, you should:
- Stay well-hydrated.
- Urinate regularly and avoid holding urine for extended periods.
- Maintain good personal hygiene.
- When using the toilet, remember to wipe from front to back to prevent the spread of bacteria.
Conclusion
In this article, we have discussed the connection between Celexa and UTIs. We have also discussed potential risk factors that may exacerbate UTIs when taking this medication and strategies for prevention and management.
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