Drug interactions
Ginko biloba + Ketorolac
Severity: Major
Ginko biloba 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
Ketorolac is a potent NSAID with marked antiplatelet effect and a labeled bleeding warning, and ginkgo biloba adds further antiplatelet activity. Together they may substantially raise the risk of serious bleeding, including gastrointestinal and perioperative hemorrhage.
What this interaction means in plain words
Ginko biloba 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.
Ginko biloba belongs to Gastrointestinal Tract; Ketorolac belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Additive antiplatelet effects: ginkgolides antagonize platelet-activating factor while ketorolac strongly inhibits COX-1-mediated thromboxane production.
What to do
Avoid ginkgo during ketorolac therapy and stop it before surgery or procedures with bleeding risk. Monitor for bleeding if the combination has been taken.
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 Ginko biloba
- Abciximab + Ginko biloba Moderate
- Aceclofenac + Ginko biloba Moderate
- Acemetacin + Ginko biloba Moderate
- Alteplase + Ginko biloba Moderate
- Anagrelide + Ginko biloba Moderate
- Argatroban + Ginko biloba Moderate
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 Ginko biloba with Ketorolac?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Ginko biloba 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. Ketorolac is a potent NSAID with marked antiplatelet effect and a labeled bleeding warning, and ginkgo biloba adds further antiplatelet activity. Together they may substantially raise the risk of serious bleeding, including gastrointestinal and perioperative hemorrhage.
How serious is the interaction between Ginko biloba 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 ginkgo during ketorolac therapy and stop it before surgery or procedures with bleeding risk. Monitor for bleeding if the combination has been taken.
What other medicines interact with Ginko biloba?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Ginko biloba with, for example, Abciximab, Aceclofenac, Acemetacin. The full list is on the Ginko biloba page.
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