Drug interactions
Dexamethasone + Ketorolac
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.
Overview
Concurrent use increases the risk of gastrointestinal ulceration and bleeding; risk rises with higher doses, longer duration, advanced age, and prior GI disease.
Mechanism of action
Pharmacodynamic: additive inhibition of prostaglandin-mediated gastric mucosal protection by NSAIDs and corticosteroids; corticosteroids also impair mucosal healing. NSAID-related platelet dysfunction may further promote bleeding.
Clinical management
Avoid combination when possible. If necessary, use the lowest effective doses for the shortest duration, co-prescribe gastroprotection (e.g., PPI), avoid in patients with active or recent peptic ulcer/GI bleeding, and monitor for GI bleeding. Limit ketorolac therapy to a maximum of 5 days per labeling.
Drug reference
References
- Ketorolac Tromethamine (Toradol) Prescribing Information — FDA Label
- Nonselective NSAIDs: Adverse effects on the gastrointestinal tract — UpToDate
- Dexamethasone: Drug Interactions — Lexicomp
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Dexamethasone with Ketorolac?
The interaction is rated: Major. Concurrent use increases the risk of gastrointestinal ulceration and bleeding; risk rises with higher doses, longer duration, advanced age, and prior GI disease.
How serious is the interaction between Dexamethasone and Ketorolac?
The interaction is rated: Major. Evidence level: High.
How is the interaction between Dexamethasone and Ketorolac managed?
Avoid combination when possible. If necessary, use the lowest effective doses for the shortest duration, co-prescribe gastroprotection (e.g., PPI), avoid in patients with active or recent peptic ulcer/GI bleeding, and monitor for GI bleeding. Limit ketorolac therapy to a maximum of 5 days per labeling.
Why do Dexamethasone and Ketorolac interact?
Pharmacodynamic: additive inhibition of prostaglandin-mediated gastric mucosal protection by NSAIDs and corticosteroids; corticosteroids also impair mucosal healing. NSAID-related platelet dysfunction may further promote bleeding.
Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app
Open the complete reference, check multi-drug interactions and use dosing tools in the MediHelp app.