Drug interactions
Ketorolac + Salicylates
Severity: Major
Ketorolac and Salicylates: 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 combined with non-acetylated salicylates adds gastrointestinal and renal toxicity because both reduce prostaglandin synthesis. The drug class is vague, but ketorolac labeling advises against concurrent salicylates or NSAIDs.
What this interaction means in plain words
Ketorolac and Salicylates 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.
Why it happens
Additive prostaglandin inhibition with GI mucosal injury and reduced renal blood flow.
What to do
Avoid combined use and choose a single agent. If unavoidable, monitor renal function and 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 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 Salicylates?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Ketorolac and Salicylates 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 combined with non-acetylated salicylates adds gastrointestinal and renal toxicity because both reduce prostaglandin synthesis. The drug class is vague, but ketorolac labeling advises against concurrent salicylates or NSAIDs.
How serious is the interaction between Ketorolac and Salicylates?
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 combined use and choose a single agent. If unavoidable, monitor renal function and for gastrointestinal 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.
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