The use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, commonly known as NSAIDs, has been on the rise in recent times to calm both pain and inflammatory processes that may be generated in any body region. Despite this, they are not exempt from presenting some adverse effects after interaction with each other, hence the importance of using this type of drug under medical prescription.
Anti-inflammatories such as diclofenac and ketorolac are frequently used to treat headaches, joints, and even muscle pain. However, there is a question of whether both drugs can be taken simultaneously. In this FastlyHealarticle, we will answer in detail the question: can I take ketorolac and diclofenac together?
Table of Contents
Ketorolac: what it is for and what dosage
Ketorolac has been widely used to improve moderate to severe pain in the short term; it is a drug that belongs to the group of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and has a much more significant effect than aspirin, thus increasing the risk of cardiovascular problems in those who take it in inadequate doses.
This NSAID is available in 30 mg injectable solution and 10 mg tablets. Ketorolac is used to:
- Mild to severe pain in the postoperative period.
- Musculoskeletal trauma.
- Kidney colic pain.
- Pain from biliary colic.
Dose
The recommended dose is 10 mg orally every 4 to 6 hours daily. The maximum amount is 40 mg orally per day.
Regarding intramuscular administration, 30 to 60 mg is used as the initial dose, followed by maintenance doses ranging from 10 to 30 mg every 6 hours with a maximum daily dose of 120 mg per day. Its use should not be exceeded for more than five days.
Contraindications
The use of ketorolac is contraindicated in some specific medical situations, such as:
- Patients suffering from active gastroduodenal ulcer.
- Recent digestive bleeding.
- Moderate or severe kidney failure.
- It is contraindicated as a prophylactic analgesic before and during surgery.
- Patient with confirmed cerebrovascular hemorrhage.
On the other hand, the use of this type of medicine is contraindicated in mothers breastfeeding because it is readily excreted in breast milk, and it is possible that it negatively affects the cardiovascular system of the newborn.
Likewise, ketorolac is contraindicated during pregnancy due to the risk of dystocia and delayed delivery.
Side effects
Possible side effects of ketorolac include:
- Weight gain.
- Edema.
- Gastrointestinal bleeding.
- Dyspepsia.
- Gastrointestinal pain
- Flatulence.
- Vomiting
- Hypertension.
- Itching and hives.
- Drowsiness.
- Headache
All of them are avoidable if the drug is used under prescription in the appropriate dose in each case.
Diclofenac: what it is for and dosage
Another drug that belongs to the group of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs is commonly known as diclofenac, which has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. It is available in the market under different trade names such as:
- Cinfadol.
- Diclokern.
- Dolotren.
- He had taken it.
- Voltadol.
- Voltaren.
Let us remember that both diclofenac sodium and diclofenac potassium are available, varying only in the active molecule with which it is associated (sodium or potassium).
Diclofenac is indicated for the treatment of pain ranging from mild to moderate intensity, such as:
- Osteoarthrosis.
- Dysmenorrhea or menstrual cramps.
- Rheumatoid arthritis.
- Gout.
- Renal calculus.
- Low back pain
- Joint pain.
- Postoperative pain.
- Migraine.
- Dental inflammations.
Presentations and dosage
It is indifferent presentations:
- Tablets of 25 mg, 50 mg, 75 mg, and 100 mg.
- In suppositories of 12.5 mg, 25 mg, 50 mg and 75 mg.
- It is also available in eye drops, ophthalmic ointment, and cream gel.
The dose of diclofenac will depend on the medical indication and available presentation, varying every 6 or 8 hours a day.
Contraindications
This drug is usually contraindicated in:
- Patients who are hypersensitive to diclofenac.
- Patients suffering from bleeding disorders.
- History of gastrointestinal bleeding.
- Established congestive heart failure.
- Ischemic heart disease
- Severe liver failure
- Renal insufficiency.
On the other hand, diclofenac should be administered under medical indication, especially in the last trimester of pregnancy, due to the possible complications that it may entail, such as uterine adynamia and premature closure of the ductus arteriosus. Likewise, this drug passes through breast milk. Therefore, its administration should be avoided during lactation.
Side effects
Although it rarely causes side effects, the possible adverse reactions that may occur after the administration of diclofenac should not be forgotten:
- Headache.
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea.
- Abdominal pain.
- Flatulence.
- Increased blood pressure.
- Constipation
Can I take ketorolac and diclofenac together? – the answer
Once all the necessary information on both drugs is known, we will answer whether ketorolac and diclofenac can be combined and taken at the same time.
Both being drugs belonging to the group of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), it is not recommended to be administered at the same time; the increase in analgesia or the anti-inflammatory effect has not been demonstrated, but there is evidence of a greater risk of suffering side effects after the administration of both drugs together.
When non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are administered together, and for a long time, they can cause adverse effects, such as abdominal pain, gastritis, ulcers, gastrointestinal bleeding, kidney damage, and ultimately fluid and electrolyte disorders.
According to a study published by the Spanish Journal of Rheumatology about the impact of the consumption of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in the general Spanish population [1], the one-year prevalence of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications for at least one month, it is estimated at 20.6%. On the other hand, the frequency of adverse effects, mainly gastrointestinal ones, among consumers of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs is estimated at 23.7%, being the cause of medical consultation 72.5% of the time.
The ideal is to administer one or the other depending on the cause to be treated, hence the importance of medical evaluation before self-medicating. See your doctor for effective treatment with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.
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I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.