Drug interactions
Escitalopram + Ketorolac
Severity: Major
Escitalopram and Ketorolac: major 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 combined with ketorolac increases the risk of gastrointestinal and other bleeding.
What this interaction means in plain words
Escitalopram 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.
Escitalopram belongs to Central Nervous System; Ketorolac belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
SSRI-induced platelet serotonin depletion adds to ketorolac's COX-1 inhibition and mucosal injury.
What to do
Avoid the combination where possible, or limit ketorolac to a very short course. Consider a proton pump inhibitor and monitor for 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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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 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 Ketorolac?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Escitalopram 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. Escitalopram combined with ketorolac increases the risk of gastrointestinal and other bleeding.
How serious is the interaction between Escitalopram 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 the combination where possible, or limit ketorolac to a very short course. Consider a proton pump inhibitor and monitor for 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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