Drug interactions
Ketorolac + Methylprednisolone
Severity: Major
Ketorolac and Methylprednisolone: 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 a high gastrointestinal bleeding risk, and adding a corticosteroid increases the risk of ulceration and hemorrhage further. Ketorolac is limited to short courses, but the combined risk is still significant.
What this interaction means in plain words
Ketorolac and Methylprednisolone 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 belongs to Musculoskeletal; Methylprednisolone belongs to Endocrine.
Why it happens
Additive gastrointestinal mucosal injury: potent NSAID prostaglandin inhibition combined with corticosteroid impairment of mucosal healing.
What to do
Avoid the combination where possible; if it is needed, keep ketorolac within the labeled short duration and add a proton pump inhibitor. Monitor for gastrointestinal 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 Methylprednisolone
- Bcg vaccine live + Methylprednisolone Contraindicated
- Measles mumps and rubella vaccine live + Methylprednisolone Contraindicated
- Measles mumps rubella and varicella vaccine live + Methylprednisolone Contraindicated
- Measles vaccine + Methylprednisolone Contraindicated
- Methylprednisolone + Mifepristone Contraindicated
- Methylprednisolone + Rubella vaccine Contraindicated
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 Ketorolac with Methylprednisolone?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Ketorolac and Methylprednisolone 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 a high gastrointestinal bleeding risk, and adding a corticosteroid increases the risk of ulceration and hemorrhage further. Ketorolac is limited to short courses, but the combined risk is still significant.
How serious is the interaction between Ketorolac and Methylprednisolone?
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; if it is needed, keep ketorolac within the labeled short duration and add a proton pump inhibitor. Monitor for gastrointestinal bleeding.
What other medicines interact with Methylprednisolone?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Methylprednisolone with, for example, Bcg vaccine live, Measles mumps and rubella vaccine live, Measles mumps rubella and varicella vaccine live. The full list is on the Methylprednisolone page.
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