Drug
Ketorolac
Pronounced
"kee-TOE-row-lack"
Uses
Ketorolac is used for the short-term treatment of moderate to severe pain in adults. It is usually used before or after medical procedures or after surgery. Reducing pain helps you recover more comfortably so that you can return to your normal daily activities. This medication is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It works by blocking your body's production of certain natural substances that cause inflammation. This effect helps to decrease swelling, pain, or fever.
Ketorolac should not be used for mild or long-term painful conditions (such as arthritis).
Warning
It is important that you use this medication properly to help reduce your risk of side effects. Your doctor may adjust your dose if you are older, have low body weight, or have kidney problems.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (including ketorolac) may rarely increase the risk for a heart attack or stroke. This effect can happen at any time while taking this drug but is more likely if you take it for a long time. The risk may be greater in older adults or if you have heart disease or increased risk for heart disease (for example, due to smoking, family history of heart disease, or conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes). Talk to your doctor about the benefits and risks of taking this drug.
This drug may rarely cause serious (rarely fatal) bleeding from the stomach or intestines. This effect can occur without warning at any time while taking this drug. Older adults may be at higher risk for this effect. Do not use this medication if you have stomach/intestinal problems (such as bleeding, ulcers).
Stop using ketorolac and get medical help right away if you notice any of the following rare but serious side effects: stomach/abdominal pain that doesn't go away, bloody or black/tarry stools, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, chest/jaw/left arm pain, shortness of breath, unusual sweating, weakness on one side of the body, sudden vision changes, trouble speaking.
Do not take this drug right before or after heart bypass surgery (CABG) or before any surgery. It also should not be used during labor/delivery or in people with severe kidney problems or high risk for kidney problems. Do not use ketorolac if you are taking high doses of aspirin or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). See also Drug Interactions section.
How to Use This Medication
Read the Medication Guide and, if available, the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start taking ketorolac and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually every 4 to 6 hours with a full glass of water (8 ounces or 240 milliliters). Do not lie down for at least 10 minutes after taking this drug. If stomach upset occurs while taking this medication, take it with food, milk, or an antacid.
Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. To reduce your risk of stomach bleeding and other side effects, take this medication at the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible time. Do not increase your dose, take it more often, or take it for longer than 5 days. If you still have pain after 5 days, talk with your doctor about other medications you may use. Do not take more than 40 milligrams in a 24-hour period.
If you are taking this drug "as needed" (not on a regular schedule), remember that pain medications work best if they are used as the first signs of pain occur. If you wait until the pain has worsened, the medicine may not work as well.
Tell your doctor if your condition gets worse or if your pain is not relieved.