Drug interactions
Ethanol + Ketorolac
Severity: Major
Ethanol 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
Alcohol and ketorolac both irritate the gastrointestinal mucosa, and ketorolac also impairs platelet function. Together they raise the risk of gastric injury, ulceration and gastrointestinal bleeding. Ketorolac already carries a boxed warning for GI bleeding, which makes this more important.
What this interaction means in plain words
Ethanol 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.
Why it happens
Additive gastric mucosal damage from ethanol and prostaglandin inhibition by ketorolac, plus antiplatelet effects of ketorolac.
What to do
Advise patients to avoid alcohol while taking ketorolac, and consider an alternative analgesic in heavy drinkers. Monitor for signs of GI bleeding such as melena or hematemesis.
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
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Ethanol with Ketorolac?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Ethanol 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. Alcohol and ketorolac both irritate the gastrointestinal mucosa, and ketorolac also impairs platelet function. Together they raise the risk of gastric injury, ulceration and gastrointestinal bleeding. Ketorolac already carries a boxed warning for GI bleeding, which makes this more important.
How serious is the interaction between Ethanol 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: Advise patients to avoid alcohol while taking ketorolac, and consider an alternative analgesic in heavy drinkers. Monitor for signs of GI bleeding such as melena or hematemesis.
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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