Ketorolac: Fast‑Acting Pain Relief and What to Watch For

When you see Ketorolac, a short‑acting non‑steroidal anti‑inflammatory drug (NSAID) used for moderate to severe pain. Also known as Toradol, it works by inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis to reduce inflammation and pain. This is why Ketorolac is often chosen for quick relief in surgical settings.

Ketorolac belongs to the broader family of Non‑steroidal anti‑inflammatory drugs, medications that lower inflammation, pain, and fever by blocking cyclooxygenase enzymes. Because it shares the same mechanism, it also carries similar cautions, especially regarding stomach lining and platelet function. Understanding the NSAID class helps you see why doctors limit Ketorolac to short courses.

One of the biggest reasons clinicians prescribe Ketorolac is for postoperative pain management, the practice of controlling pain after surgery using drugs, techniques, and monitoring. The drug’s rapid onset can keep patients comfortable while they recover, and its potent effect lets surgeons avoid higher‑dose opioids. However, the benefit comes with a strict time window – usually no more than five days – to keep side effects in check.

Kidney health is a major factor when using Ketorolac. The drug is filtered by the renal function, the kidneys’ ability to filter waste and balance fluids, and reduced blood flow can make the organ work harder. Patients with dehydration, chronic kidney disease, or taking other nephrotoxic meds need dose adjustments or an alternative pain reliever.

Gastrointestinal (GI) safety is another piece of the puzzle. NSAIDs, including Ketorolac, can irritate the stomach lining and increase the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding, bleeding that occurs in the stomach or intestines, often a side effect of NSAID use. Using the lowest effective dose, adding a proton‑pump inhibitor, and avoiding alcohol can lower that danger.

Because of these risks, dosing guidelines are tight. The usual adult dose starts at 10 mg IV or IM every six hours, not exceeding 40 mg per day. The oral form is 10 mg every 4‑6 hours, capped at 20 mg for patients over 65 or with weight under 50 kg. Exceeding five days of therapy is generally discouraged, as the cumulative exposure heightens kidney and GI complications.

When deciding whether Ketorolac fits your situation, doctors weigh several alternatives. For patients who need longer‑term pain control, agents like ibuprofen or naproxen might be safer, though they also belong to the NSAID family. In cases where bleeding risk is high, acetaminophen or opioid‑sparing techniques may be preferred. Knowing the trade‑offs lets you and your clinician pick the right tool for the job.

Below you’ll find articles that dig deeper into Ketorolac’s pharmacology, compare it with other pain relievers, and explain how to use it safely. Whether you’re a patient, caregiver, or health‑care professional, the collection offers practical tips and up‑to‑date insights to help you make informed decisions about short‑term pain management.