Ketorolac
Conditions Treated
Ketorolac is used to relieve moderately severe pain, usually after surgery. Ketorolac is in a class of medications called NSAIDs. It works by stopping the body's production of a substance that causes pain, fever, and inflammation.
Possible Side Effects
What Side Effects Can This Cause?
Ketorolac may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- headache
- dizziness
- drowsiness
- diarrhea
- constipation
- gas
- sores in the mouth
- sweating
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of the following symptoms, or those mentioned in the IMPORTANT WARNING section, call your doctor immediately. Do not take any more ketorolac until you speak to your doctor.
- fever
- blisters
- yellowing of the skin or eyes
- excessive tiredness
- unusual bleeding or bruising
- lack of energy
- nausea
- loss of appetite
- pain in the upper right part of the stomach
- flu-like symptoms
- pale skin
- fast heartbeat
- cloudy, discolored, or bloody urine
- back pain
- difficult or painful urination
Usage Instructions
How Should This Medication Be Used
Ketorolac comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken every 4 to 6 hours on a schedule or as needed for pain. If you are taking ketorolac on a schedule, take it at around the same times every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand.
What Dietary Instructions Should I Follow
Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.
Are There Any Special Instructions
Before taking ketorolac, do not take ketorolac if you are taking probenecid. tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention the medications listed in the IMPORTANT WARNING section and any of the following: antidepressants; medications for anxiety or mental illness; medications for seizures such as carbamazepine (Tegretol) or phenytoin (Dilantin); methotrexate (Rheumatrex); sedatives; sleeping pills; and tranquilizers. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you more carefully for side effects. tell your doctor if you have or have ever had the conditions mentioned in the IMPORTANT WARNING section or swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs. talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of taking ketorolac if you are 65 years of age or older. Older adults should not usually take ketorolac because it is not as safe as other medications that can be used to treat the same condition. you should know that this medication may make you drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you. talk to your doctor about the safe use of alcohol while taking this medication. Alcohol can make the side effects of ketorolac worse.
Brand Names
Common Brand Names for This Medication
- Toradol®
Overdose
What To Do In The Case of Emergency
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911. Symptoms of overdose may include the following:
- nausea
- vomiting
- stomach pain
- bloody, black, or tarry stools
- vomit that is bloody or looks like coffee grounds
- drowsiness
- slowed breathing or fast, shallow breathing
- coma (loss of consciousness for a period of time)
Forgotten Doses
What Should I Do If I Forget A Dose?
If your doctor has told you to take ketorolac regularly, take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Additional Information
What Are the Storage Conditions for this Medication?
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.
What Other Information Should I Know?
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription. It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.