What is the relative GI bleed risk of naproxen compared to ketorolac?

Naproxen is considered to have a lower relative risk of gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding compared to ketorolac. Both medications are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which can increase the risk of GI complications, but their risk profiles differ significantly.

Naproxen is known for its longer half-life and is often used for chronic pain management. Studies indicate that while all NSAIDs carry some risk of GI bleeding, naproxen’s gastrointestinal side effects tend to be less severe than those associated with ketorolac. Ketorolac, on the other hand, is a potent NSAID typically used for short-term management of moderate to severe pain, and it has a stronger propensity for causing GI toxicity.

The difference in their risk can be attributed to ketorolac’s higher potency and a higher likelihood of affecting gastric mucosa, which increases the risk of ulcer formation and subsequent bleeding. As a result, when assessing the relative GI bleed risk between the two, naproxen's lower risk emerges as a key aspect of its pharmacological profile, making it the safer choice in terms of GI complications compared to ketorolac. Understanding these nuances is essential for healthcare professionals when considering medication options for patients requiring pain management therapy.