Drug interactions
Ketorolac + Willow bark
Severity: Moderate
Ketorolac and Willow bark: moderate 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
Willow bark contains salicin, which is converted to salicylic acid and has NSAID-like antiplatelet and gastrointestinal effects. Combined with ketorolac it may add to bleeding, gastrointestinal and renal risks.
What this interaction means in plain words
Ketorolac and Willow bark can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Why it happens
Additive cyclooxygenase inhibition from salicylate-like compounds in willow bark and ketorolac.
What to do
Avoid willow bark products during ketorolac therapy and monitor for gastrointestinal bleeding and renal function changes.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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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 Willow bark?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Ketorolac and Willow bark can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Willow bark contains salicin, which is converted to salicylic acid and has NSAID-like antiplatelet and gastrointestinal effects. Combined with ketorolac it may add to bleeding, gastrointestinal and renal risks.
How serious is the interaction between Ketorolac and Willow bark?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid willow bark products during ketorolac therapy and monitor for gastrointestinal bleeding and renal function changes.
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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