Ketorolac and Meloxicam interaction
Ketorolac and Meloxicam: both prescribing labels flag this combination with the strongest language, such as a contraindication, a boxed warning, or an instruction to avoid it.
Do not combine without a prescriber's guidance. The label language below is the strongest FDA uses.
What the FDA labels say
From the Ketorolac (Ketorolac Tromethamine) label · effective 2024-12-31
Ketorolac tromethamine should not be given to patients who have experienced asthma, urticaria, or allergic-type reactions after taking aspirin or other NSAIDs.
This symptom complex typically occurs in asthmatic patients who experience rhinitis with or without nasal polyps, or who exhibit severe, potentially fatal bronchospasm after taking aspirin or other NSAIDs (see CONTRAINDICATIONS and PRECAUTIONS, PREEXISTING ASTHMA).
Since cross reactivity, including bronchospasm, between aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs has been reported in such aspirin-sensitive patients, ketorolac tromethamine should not be administered to patients with this form of aspirin sensitivity and should be used with caution in patients with preexisting asthma.
Fetal Toxicity Inform pregnant women to avoid use of ketorolac tromethamine tablets and other NSAIDs starting at 30 weeks gestation because of the risk of the premature closing of the fetal ductus arteriosus.
Ketorolac tromethamine, like other NSAIDs, can cause GI discomfort and rarely, serious GI side effects, such as ulcers and bleeding, which may result in hospitalization and even death.
From the Meloxicam (QAMZOVA) label · effective 2026-07-16
History of asthma, urticaria, or other allergic-type reactions after taking aspirin or other NSAIDs.
Avoid administration of more than one NSAID at a time.
Exacerbation of Asthma Related to Aspirin Sensitivity A subpopulation of patients with asthma may have aspirin-sensitive asthma which may include chronic rhinosinusitis complicated by nasal polyps; severe, potentially fatal bronchospasm; and/or intolerance to aspirin and other NSAIDs.
Because cross-reactivity between aspirin and other NSAIDs has been reported in such aspirin-sensitive patients, QAMZOVA is contraindicated in patients with this form of aspirin sensitivity [ see Contraindications ( 4 ) ].
Intervention: The concomitant use of meloxicam with other NSAIDs or salicylates is not recommended.
Taking more than these two? Interactions stack. Check your whole list at once; it stays in your browser.
Open in the checkerNot medical advice. Interaction Checker quotes FDA label text and NIH fact sheets. Whether an interaction matters for you depends on doses, timing, kidney and liver function, and other conditions. Confirm with a pharmacist or prescriber.