Drug interactions
Gentamicin + Ketorolac
Severity: Major
Gentamicin 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
Both drugs can injure the kidney, and ketorolac reduces renal prostaglandin-mediated perfusion. Combined use can raise the risk of acute kidney injury and may lead to higher gentamicin concentrations and aminoglycoside toxicity.
What this interaction means in plain words
Gentamicin 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.
Gentamicin belongs to Anti Bacterial; Ketorolac belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Additive nephrotoxicity, with NSAID-induced reduction in renal blood flow lowering aminoglycoside clearance.
What to do
Avoid the combination where possible, particularly in dehydrated or renally impaired patients. If used together, monitor serum creatinine and gentamicin levels and ensure adequate hydration.
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 Gentamicin
- Cidofovir + Gentamicin Contraindicated
- Adefovir + Gentamicin Major
- Amikacin + Gentamicin Major
- Amlodipine-hydrochlorothiazide-valsartan + Gentamicin Major
- Amphotericin b deoxycholate + Gentamicin Major
- Amphotericin b + Gentamicin Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Gentamicin with Ketorolac?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Gentamicin 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. Both drugs can injure the kidney, and ketorolac reduces renal prostaglandin-mediated perfusion. Combined use can raise the risk of acute kidney injury and may lead to higher gentamicin concentrations and aminoglycoside toxicity.
How serious is the interaction between Gentamicin 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, particularly in dehydrated or renally impaired patients. If used together, monitor serum creatinine and gentamicin levels and ensure adequate hydration.
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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