Ketorolac
About Ketorolac
Ketorolac is an oral prescription medication used for the short-term management of moderately severe acute pain. It is typically prescribed to treat temporary, intense pain, such as the kind experienced after a surgical or dental procedure. This medicine is designed for short-term relief and is not intended for chronic or long-term pain conditions.
To achieve the best results, you must take Ketorolac exactly as directed by your doctor without skipping doses. Consistency is important during the short treatment period to keep your pain under control. You should take this medicine with food or a glass of milk to prevent any stomach upset. Resting the affected area and maintaining healthy hydration can also significantly improve your comfort and healing process.
While taking this medicine, some people may experience mild side effects like nausea, dizziness, or heartburn. However, you must contact your doctor immediately if you notice serious signs such as severe stomach pain, black or bloody stools, or difficulty breathing.
Talk to your doctor before starting this medicine if you have a history of high blood pressure, asthma, or mild heart conditions. Do not take this medicine if you have active stomach ulcers, severe kidney disease, a high risk of bleeding, severe liver disease, or if you have had severe allergic reactions to aspirin or other NSAID pain relievers. Oral Ketorolac is not approved for use in children and adolescents under 17 years of age.
This medication can interact dangerously with blood thinners, other anti-inflammatory pain relievers, and alcohol because combining them significantly increases your risk of severe stomach bleeding. Additionally, pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and elderly individuals must consult their doctor before using this medicine to ensure safety.
Uses of Ketorolac
Medicinal Benefits
This medicine helps provide rapid, short-term relief from moderate to severe pain and reduces inflammation. Its benefits include:
- Provides strong, non-opioid pain relief, helping manage intense pain without the same risk of dependence associated with opioid medicines.
- Helps reduce swelling and inflammation around the affected area.
- Makes it easier to rest comfortably and perform gentle movements during recovery.
- Supports early recovery by improving comfort after surgery or injury.
Directions for Use
- Ketorolac can be taken with food or milk to prevent stomach aches.
- It is usually taken every 4-6 hours or as prescribed by your doctor.
- Swallow Ketorolac as a whole with a glass of water.
- Do not crush, chew, or break it.
Storage
Side Effects of Ketorolac
Common Side Effects (Usually mild)
- Upset stomach, mild nausea, or heartburn
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Headache
- Mild indigestion, bloating, or gas
Serious Side Effects (Call a doctor right away)
- Signs of stomach bleeding, such as black or tarry stools, vomiting blood, or vomit that looks like coffee grounds
- Signs of kidney problems, including a sudden change in how much you urinate or swelling in your feet and ankles
- Signs of heart issues, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, sudden weakness on one side of your body, or slurred speech
- Severe allergic reactions, including a severe skin rash, hives, swelling of the face, lips, or throat, or severe difficulty breathing
Medicines Containing this Salt
View AllDrug Warnings
- Strict 5-day limit: Never take this medication for more than 5 days. Prolonged use greatly increases the risk of severe stomach bleeding and kidney damage.\
- Avoid other pain relievers: Do not take other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen, naproxen, or aspirin while taking this medicine.
- Monitor for bleeding: Watch closely for signs of bleeding, including frequent nosebleeds, unusual bruising, or blood in your urine, and contact your doctor if they occur.
- Use caution when driving: This medication may cause dizziness or drowsiness. Avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how it affects you.
- Notify your dental or surgical team: Always inform any doctor, surgeon, or dentist treating you that you are taking this medication, as it can affect blood clotting during procedures.
Drug Interactions
- Blood thinners (e.g., warfarin, heparin): Taking these alongside Ketorolac can significantly increase your risk of severe internal bleeding.
- Other NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen, high-dose aspirin): Combining these medicines increases the likelihood of stomach ulcers and digestive tract bleeding.
- Blood pressure medications (e.g., ACE inhibitors, diuretics): This medicine can reduce the effectiveness of these drugs and increase the risk of sudden kidney damage.
- Lithium or Methotrexate: This medication may raise the levels of these drugs in your bloodstream, potentially leading to serious toxicity.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionYou are advised not to consume alcohol with Ketorolac as it can increase dizziness.
Pregnancy
cautionKetorolac is not recommended for use during pregnancy unless absolutely indicated. If you are pregnant, consult your doctor before using Ketorolac.
Breast Feeding
cautionKetorolac passes into breast milk. Please consult your doctor if you have any concerns.
Driving
unsafeKetorolac may cause dizziness and drowsiness, which may affect your ability to drive. Hence, drive or operate machinery only when you are alert.
Liver
cautionExercise caution before using Ketorolac in case of pre-existing liver disease. Please consult your doctor to address any concerns.
Kidney
cautionExercise caution before using Ketorolac in case of pre-existing kidney disease. Please consult your doctor to address any concerns.
Children
unsafeKetorolac is not recommended for use in children below 17 years of age. Please consult your physician if you have any concerns.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Protect your stomach: Always take this medication with a meal, snack, or a glass of milk to create a barrier and minimize the risk of stomach irritation.
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Maintaining good hydration helps support healthy kidney function while your body processes this medicine.
- Avoid alcohol: Do not drink alcoholic beverages while taking this medicine, as alcohol can severely irritate your stomach lining and significantly increase your risk of stomach ulcers or bleeding.
- Rest the affected area: While the medicine manages your pain, allow your body time to heal by avoiding heavy lifting or strenuous physical activity.
Special Advise
Take Ketorolac exactly as prescribed.
In case you miss a dose of Ketorolac, skip it and resume when it is time for the second dose only. Do not ever take a double dose.
It is very difficult to overdose on Ketorolac however, if you accidentally take extra doses of Ketorolac, please inform your doctor or go to a hospital immediately. Some of the symptoms of an overdose can cause blurred vision, shortness of breath, difficulty in speaking, severe headache, unusual tiredness, fainting and or ringing in the ears.
Ketorolac is not meant for use in children.
Ketorolac is not meant for use for mild pain.
Ketorolac is not meant for long-term use.
Do not discontinue taking Ketorolac abruptly or without the advice of the physician.
Please know that your doctor may order blood tests to check the effects of Ketorolac on your blood as Ketorolac may, in rare cases, cause anaemia (low blood levels).
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Osteoarthritis: Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis. It occurs due to the breakdown of cartilage that cushions and protects the bones. The disease progresses gradually and tends to worsen if not treated. Symptoms include joint pain in the hips, lower back, knees and hands. It is commonly seen in post-menopausal women.
Rheumatoid Arthritis: Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune inflammatory disorder of the joints. It is a chronic disease. Autoimmunity is when the body recognises its own cells as foreign and tends to attack them. Rheumatoid arthritis is often seen in conjunction with other autoimmune diseases such as hypothyroidism, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), vitiligo, lupus etc. Symptoms include stiffness, swelling and weakness at the joints, lumps and redness on the skin, compromised movements, bone erosion and joint deformity.
Allergic Conjunctivitis: Conjunctiva is a thin membrane that layers the inside of the eyelids. Inflammation of the conjunctiva is referred to as conjunctivitis. It is also called pink eye. Conjunctivitis manifests as symptoms such as redness, grittiness, pain, itching and tearing of the eyes. Allergic conjunctivitis is the inflammation of the conjunctiva due to an allergic reaction to foreign substances such as spores, pollen, grit, and grime.
FAQs
No. Ketorolac is intended only for the short-term treatment of moderate to severe acute pain and should generally not be used for more than 5 days unless directed by your doctor. Long-term use increases the risk of serious side effects, including stomach ulcers or bleeding, kidney damage, and cardiovascular complications. Talk to your doctor about safer long-term treatment options for chronic pain conditions such as arthritis.
No, Ketorolac is not a narcotic or an opioid. It is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). However, it provides strong pain relief that is comparable to some low-dose opioids without the risk of physical dependence. Talk to your doctor if you have questions about pain management.
It is highly recommended to avoid alcohol while taking this medicine. Alcohol increases the risk of stomach irritation, bleeding, and ulcers. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have concerns about alcohol use.
If you are taking this medicine on a regular schedule and miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if your next scheduled dose is close, skip the missed dose and continue with your normal schedule. Do not take a double dose to catch up. Talk to your doctor if you are unsure.
While you can take it on an empty stomach, doing so may cause stomach upset or nausea. Taking this medicine with food, a snack, or a glass of milk is highly recommended to protect your stomach lining. Talk to your doctor if stomach pain persists.
No, you should not take other NSAIDs like ibuprofen, naproxen, or aspirin while taking this medicine. Combining these medications greatly increases the risk of serious side effects, such as stomach ulcers and bleeding. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking any other pain relievers.
Ketorolac should not be used from 20 weeks of pregnancy onward unless your doctor determines it is absolutely necessary, as it may harm the unborn baby and cause pregnancy or delivery complications. It is contraindicated during the later stages of pregnancy. If you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant, or are planning to become pregnant, talk to your doctor before taking this medicine.
Yes, some people may experience drowsiness, dizziness, or lightheadedness while taking this medicine. Avoid driving, operating machinery, or performing tasks that require mental alertness until you know how this medication affects you. Talk to your doctor if these symptoms are severe.
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