Yashoda Hospitals > Medicine FAQS > Ketorolac

Ketorolac: Frequently Asked Questions Answered

What Is Ketorolac?

Ketorolac is used in the short-term treatment for moderate to severe pain. It belongs to the class of drugs called NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug). 

When body tissues are damaged, chemicals called prostaglandins are produced at the site of injury. This causes fever and inflammation in the patient. Ketorolac works by stopping the production of prostaglandins.

Usually, the doctor administers one dose of Ketorolac by intravenous injection, followed by five days of oral Ketorolac.

What Are the Uses of Ketorolac?

Ketorolac can be used to treat the following conditions.

  • Pain and swelling in the eyes (post-surgery).
  • Ocular itching and pain.
  • Acute migraine.
  • Postoperative acute pain.
  • Intraoperative miosis.
  • Inflammatory reactions.
  • Acute pericarditis.

Ketorolac can be taken every 4 to 6 hours or as recommended by the physician. To know more about the uses of the drug, reach out to our medical experts at Yashoda Hospitals.

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    What Are the Side Effects of Ketorolac?

    The common side effects of Ketorolac are:

    • Headache.
    • Drowsiness.
    • Sweating.
    • Constipation or diarrhoea.
    • Small, discoloured patches in the skin.
    • Mouth sores.

    Sometimes, the drug may cause more intense side effects such as:

    • Swelling in the face and limbs.
    • Unusual bruising and bleeding.
    • Stomach pain accompanied by loss of appetite.
    • Flu-like symptoms.
    • Nausea.
    • Fast heartbeat.

    In case of any of the above side-effects, seek medical attention without delay.

    What is Ketorolac

    Uses of Ketorolac

    Side effects of Ketorolac

    References

    1. https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/Ketorolac-oral-route-injection-route/side-effects/drg-20066882?p=1#:~:text=Ketorolac%20is%20not%20a%20narcotic,that%20can%20be%20very%20dangerous.
    2. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8364942/
    3. https://www.drugs.com/disease-interactions/Ketorolac.html#asthma
    4. https://www.medicinenet.com/Ketorolac_vs_tramadol/article.htm
    5. https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/Ketorolac-oral-route-injection-route/proper-use/drg-20066882#:~:text=To%20lessen%20stomach%20upset%2C%20Ketorolac,lead%20to%20trouble%20in%20swallowing.
    6. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/toradol-for-migraine#side-effects
    7. https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/Ketorolac-oral-route-injection-route/proper-use/drg-20066882
    8. https://www.drugs.com/drug-interactions/ibuprofen-with-toradol-1310-0-1415-1726.html#:~:text=Interactions%20between%20your%20drugs&text=Using%20Ketorolac%20together%20with%20ibuprofen,ulceration%2C%20and%20rarely%2C%20perforation.
    9. https://www.drugs.com/drug-interactions/ibuprofen-with-toradol-1310-0-1415-1726.html

    Disclaimer: The information provided herein is accurate, updated and complete as per the best practices of the Company. Please note that this information should not be treated as a replacement for physical medical consultation or advice. We do not guarantee the accuracy and the completeness of the information so provided. The absence of any information and/or warning to any drug shall not be considered and assumed as an implied assurance of the Company. We do not take any responsibility for the consequences arising out of the aforementioned information and strongly recommend you for a physical consultation in case of any queries or doubts.

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    Frequently Asked Questions about Ketorolac

    An expired Ketorolac tablet is not an effective way of treating pain. While it may not be necessarily dangerous, it is preferred to avoid the intake of expired Ketorolac.

    Doctors do not recommend taking Ketorolac and ibuprofen together. The combination may worsen side effects such as gastrointestinal inflammation, bleeding, ulceration, and perforation. It may also lead to kidney and cardiovascular troubles in some patients.

    Talk to our experts to learn about the ibuprofen alternatives that are safe to consume with Ketorolac.

    Ketorolac works very fast. Patients can feel the impact of the drug about 15 minutes after consumption. The effect of the medicine can last for up to six hours. Oral Ketorolac is usually taken every six hours or as needed for your pain.

    No, Ketorolac is not a narcotic. Unlike narcotic drugs, it does not create physical or mental dependence. In some rare cases, the tablet is used along with a narcotic drug to alleviate intense pain. The combination is believed to be more effective than taking Ketorolac alone.

    Your doctor may recommend Ketorolac for moderate or intense pain after a dental procedure. The drug can significantly reduce pain within a few hours. Certain studies have indicated that Ketorolac can offer significant pain relief with few side effects for dental pain.

    About 10% of asthma patients have aspirin-sensitive asthma. These patients are very likely to be sensitive to aspirin and other NSAIDs. Therefore, Ketorolac must be avoided in aspirin-sensitive asthmatic patients. The drug must be administered with great caution for other asthmatic patients.

    If you are an asthma patient, talk to your physician or our expert before taking the drug.

    Ketorolac and tramadol are both used to treat moderate to acute pain. Ketorolac is a very strong NSAID.

    Tramadol is a pain reliever and has the habit-forming property. In strength, the drug is placed between mild painkillers and the more potent ones. In other words, it is quite a strong drug.

    Ketorolac should be taken with food and water. It is recommended not to lie down for a minimum of 15 minutes after taking the drug. When the patient lies down, the drug tends to cause a sense of irritation. Lying down after taking the drug can also affect the gastrointestinal lining.

    Prolonged use of Ketorolac can worsen side effects such as gastrointestinal bleeding, ulcers, and coagulation disorders. The risk is exceptionally high among elderly patients. Long-term use to treat chronic conditions will damage the kidney and cause bleeding.

    Yes. The drug may cause dizziness or drowsiness in some patients. The effect is quite normal. If you experience these issues, avoid operating heavy machinery, driving, or taking up any task that demands your alertness during the time.

    Call Yashoda Hospitals to know more about the necessary precautions, uses, dosages and side effects of Ketorolac.