Drug interactions
Ketorolac + Piroxicam
Severity: Contraindicated
Ketorolac and Piroxicam: contraindicated 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
Concurrent piroxicam and ketorolac markedly raises the risk of gastrointestinal ulceration and bleeding and of renal injury, with no added benefit. Ketorolac labeling contraindicates this combination.
What this interaction means in plain words
Ketorolac and Piroxicam are not normally used together. Taking them at the same time is expected to cause harm or make one of them unsafe, so a different medicine is usually chosen for one of the two.
Ketorolac belongs to Musculoskeletal; Piroxicam belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Additive cyclooxygenase inhibition affecting gastric mucosa, platelets and renal prostaglandins.
What to do
Do not combine; use a single NSAID. Piroxicam has a long half-life, so account for its persistence when switching.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there an alternative to one of these two medicines for me?
- If both are essential, who is monitoring me and how often?
- Which symptoms mean I should stop and seek help straight away?
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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 Piroxicam
- Ketorolac intranasal + Piroxicam Contraindicated
- Aceclofenac + Piroxicam Major
- Acemetacin + Piroxicam Major
- Acetylsalicylic acid + Piroxicam Major
- Alteplase + Piroxicam Major
- Amiloride + Piroxicam Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Ketorolac with Piroxicam?
MediHelp rates the interaction as contraindicated. Ketorolac and Piroxicam are not normally used together. Taking them at the same time is expected to cause harm or make one of them unsafe, so a different medicine is usually chosen for one of the two. Concurrent piroxicam and ketorolac markedly raises the risk of gastrointestinal ulceration and bleeding and of renal injury, with no added benefit. Ketorolac labeling contraindicates this combination.
How serious is the interaction between Ketorolac and Piroxicam?
MediHelp rates it contraindicated, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Do not combine; use a single NSAID. Piroxicam has a long half-life, so account for its persistence when switching.
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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