MedlinePlus Drug Information: Ketorolac Oral

Skip navigation


Other drug names:	A-Am An-Az B C-Ch Ci-Cz D-Dh Di-Dz E F G H I-J K-L M-Mh Mi-Mz N-Nh Ni-Nz O P-Pl Pm-Pz Q-R S-Sn So-Sz T-To Tp-Tz U-V W-Z 0-9

Ketorolac Oral

(kee toe role' ak)

Brand name(s): Toradol

Contents of this page:
Why is this medication prescribed? How should this medicine be used? What special precautions should I follow? What special dietary instructions should I follow?	What should I do if I forget a dose? What side effects can this medication cause? What storage conditions are needed for this medicine? What other information should I know?

IMPORTANT WARNING:

Ketorolac should not be used for longer than 5 days. Talk to your doctor if you still have pain after 5 days or if your pain is not controlled with this medication. Do not take aspirin or other pain medications while taking this medication unless directed to do so by your doctor. Before taking ketorolac, tell your doctor what other medications you are taking and what conditions you are being treated for, including kidney and gastrointestinal diseases. Do not take ketorolac if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

Why is this medication prescribed?

Ketorolac is used to relieve pain and reduce inflammation (swelling). It is used for a short time to treat headache, dental pain, sports-related injuries, and other painful conditions.

This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

How should this medicine be used?

Ketorolac comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It usually is taken every 4-6 hours as needed for pain for up to 5 days. Ketorolac should be started as an injection given at a hospital or other health care setting. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take ketorolac exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

What special precautions should I follow?

Before taking ketorolac,

tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to ketorolac, aspirin or other medications for pain or arthritis, or any other drugs.
tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially anticoagulants ('blood thinners') such as warfarin (Coumadin), aspirin, atenolol (Tenormin), carteolol (Cartrol), cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune), diuretics ('water pills'), labetalol (Normodyne, Trandate), lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid), medications for arthritis or diabetes, methotrexate, metoprolol (Lopressor), nadolol (Corgard), phenytoin (Dilantin), probenecid (Benemid), and vitamins.
tell your doctor if you have or have ever had liver, heart, or kidney disease; high blood pressure; any stomach problems; any other gastrointestinal disease; or nasal polyps.
tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking ketorolac, call your doctor.
if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking ketorolac.
you should know that this drug may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this drug affects you.
remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this drug. Do not drink alcohol while taking this medication.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

Ketorolac may cause an upset stomach. Take ketorolac with food or milk.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

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.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Although side effects from ketorolac are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

headache
dizziness
nervousness
upset stomach
stomach pain or cramping
vomiting
diarrhea
constipation
gas

If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

bloody vomit
bloody diarrhea or black, tarry stools
ringing in the ears
blurred vision
swelling in the hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
skin rash
itching

What storage conditions are needed for this medicine?

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?

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your response to ketorolac.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

Last Revised - 01/01/2003

American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. Disclaimer