Drug interactions
Hydrocortisone + Ketorolac
Severity: Major
Hydrocortisone 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 carries a high risk of GI bleeding and ulceration, which is further increased by concurrent systemic corticosteroids. Ketorolac labeling warns against combining it with other agents that raise bleeding risk.
What this interaction means in plain words
Hydrocortisone 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.
Hydrocortisone belongs to Endocrine; Ketorolac belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Additive gastrointestinal mucosal injury from potent NSAID prostaglandin inhibition and corticosteroid impairment of mucosal healing.
What to do
Avoid the combination if possible; if used, keep ketorolac to the shortest course allowed (no more than five days), give gastroprotection and monitor for GI 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 Hydrocortisone
- Hydrocortisone + Mifepristone Contraindicated
- Hydrocortisone + Poliovirus vaccine live oral trivalent Contraindicated
- Hydrocortisone + Smallpox vaccine live Contraindicated
- Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live + Hydrocortisone Major
- Aldesleukin + Hydrocortisone Major
- Aspirin + Hydrocortisone Major
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 Hydrocortisone with Ketorolac?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Hydrocortisone 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 carries a high risk of GI bleeding and ulceration, which is further increased by concurrent systemic corticosteroids. Ketorolac labeling warns against combining it with other agents that raise bleeding risk.
How serious is the interaction between Hydrocortisone 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 if possible; if used, keep ketorolac to the shortest course allowed (no more than five days), give gastroprotection and monitor for GI bleeding.
What other medicines interact with Hydrocortisone?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Hydrocortisone with, for example, Mifepristone, Poliovirus vaccine live oral trivalent, Smallpox vaccine live. The full list is on the Hydrocortisone page.
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