Drug interactions
Imatinib + Ketorolac
Severity: Major
Imatinib 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
Imatinib can cause thrombocytopenia and gastrointestinal hemorrhage, and ketorolac impairs platelet function and irritates the GI mucosa. Together, bleeding risk is increased, and NSAIDs can also add to fluid retention or renal effects.
What this interaction means in plain words
Imatinib 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.
Imatinib belongs to Oncology; Ketorolac belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Additive bleeding risk from imatinib-related thrombocytopenia and NSAID platelet inhibition with mucosal injury.
What to do
Prefer paracetamol or another non-NSAID analgesic; if ketorolac is used, keep it brief and monitor platelet counts and for signs of 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?
Pro+ members
Unlock the full page
Create an account and start a Pro+ trial to unlock the full management advice for Imatinib and Ketorolac, the additional notes, the evidence detail and the whole-prescription interaction checker.
- Full clinical management advice
- Additional notes
- Evidence detail
- Interaction checker for a whole prescription
Try Pro+ free for 14 days on the web. No card needed.
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 Imatinib
- Imatinib + Lomitapide Contraindicated
- Imatinib + Lonafarnib Contraindicated
- Amobarbital + Imatinib Major
- Apalutamide + Imatinib Major
- Avapritinib + Imatinib Major
- Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen + Imatinib Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Imatinib with Ketorolac?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Imatinib 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. Imatinib can cause thrombocytopenia and gastrointestinal hemorrhage, and ketorolac impairs platelet function and irritates the GI mucosa. Together, bleeding risk is increased, and NSAIDs can also add to fluid retention or renal effects.
How serious is the interaction between Imatinib 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: Prefer paracetamol or another non-NSAID analgesic; if ketorolac is used, keep it brief and monitor platelet counts and for signs of GI 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.
Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app
Open the complete reference, check multi-drug interactions and use dosing tools in the MediHelp app.
