Drug interactions
Ketorolac + Prednisone
Severity: Major
Ketorolac and Prednisone: 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, which is further increased by concurrent corticosteroids. Ketorolac labeling warns against use in patients with active or prior peptic ulcer or bleeding.
What this interaction means in plain words
Ketorolac and Prednisone 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; Prednisone belongs to Endocrine.
Why it happens
Potent prostaglandin inhibition by ketorolac combined with corticosteroid impairment of mucosal healing and protection.
What to do
Avoid the combination where possible, and keep ketorolac to the shortest course allowed by labeling with gastroprotection if used. 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 Prednisone
- Bcg vaccine live + Prednisone Contraindicated
- Measles vaccine + Prednisone Contraindicated
- Mifepristone + Prednisone Contraindicated
- Prednisone + Radium-223 dichloride Contraindicated
- Prednisone + Smallpox vaccine live Contraindicated
- Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live + Prednisone 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 Ketorolac with Prednisone?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Ketorolac and Prednisone 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, which is further increased by concurrent corticosteroids. Ketorolac labeling warns against use in patients with active or prior peptic ulcer or bleeding.
How serious is the interaction between Ketorolac and Prednisone?
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, and keep ketorolac to the shortest course allowed by labeling with gastroprotection if used. Monitor for gastrointestinal bleeding.
What other medicines interact with Prednisone?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Prednisone with, for example, Bcg vaccine live, Measles vaccine, Mifepristone. The full list is on the Prednisone page.
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