Drug interactions
Deflazacort + Ketorolac
Severity: Major
Deflazacort and Ketorolac: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: Health Canada product monograph
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
Corticosteroids combined with NSAIDs increase the risk of peptic ulceration and gastrointestinal bleeding. Ketorolac is especially hazardous in this regard.
What this interaction means in plain words
Deflazacort and Ketorolac 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.
Deflazacort belongs to Miscellaneous; Ketorolac belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Additive gastric mucosal injury from prostaglandin inhibition by the NSAID and corticosteroid effects on mucosal defense and healing.
What to do
Avoid prolonged coadministration and limit ketorolac to the shortest possible course. Consider a proton pump inhibitor and monitor for GI 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 Ketorolac
- Aceclofenac + Ketorolac Contraindicated
- Acemetacin + Ketorolac Contraindicated
- Acetylsalicylic acid + Ketorolac Contraindicated
- Apixaban + Ketorolac Contraindicated
- Argatroban + Ketorolac Contraindicated
- Aspirin / citric acid / sodium bicarbonate + Ketorolac Contraindicated
Other interactions of Deflazacort
- Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live + Deflazacort Contraindicated
- Bcg vaccine live + Deflazacort Contraindicated
- Deflazacort + Influenza virus vaccine quadrivalent intranasal Contraindicated
- Deflazacort + Measles mumps and rubella vaccine Contraindicated
- Deflazacort + Measles mumps and rubella vaccine live Contraindicated
- Deflazacort + Measles mumps rubella and varicella vaccine live Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Deflazacort with Ketorolac?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Deflazacort and Ketorolac 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. Corticosteroids combined with NSAIDs increase the risk of peptic ulceration and gastrointestinal bleeding. Ketorolac is especially hazardous in this regard.
How serious is the interaction between Deflazacort and Ketorolac?
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 prolonged coadministration and limit ketorolac to the shortest possible course. Consider a proton pump inhibitor and monitor for GI bleeding.
What other medicines interact with Ketorolac?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Ketorolac with, for example, Aceclofenac, Acemetacin, Acetylsalicylic acid. The full list is on the Ketorolac page.
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