Uses

Ketorolac is used for the short-term treatment of moderate to severe pain. 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).

Side Effects

Pain at the injection site, dizziness, drowsiness, headache, or upset stomach may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

This medication may raise your blood pressure. Check your blood pressure regularly and tell your doctor if the results are high.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: fainting, fast/pounding heartbeat, hearing changes (such as ringing in the ears), mental/mood changes (such as confusion, depression), stomach pain, vision changes (such as blurred vision), easy bruising/bleeding, signs of kidney problems (such as change in the amount of urine), symptoms of heart failure (such as swelling ankles/feet, unusual tiredness, unusual/sudden weight gain).

Warnings

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 using this drug but is more likely if you use 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 using 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 using 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 use 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).

Precautions

Before using ketorolac, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to aspirin or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs-NSAIDs (such as ibuprofen, naproxen, celecoxib); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: asthma (including a history of worsening breathing after taking aspirin or other NSAIDs), bleeding or clotting problems, blood disorders (such as anemia), heart disease (such as previous heart attack), high blood pressure, liver disease, growths in the nose (nasal polyps), throat/stomach/intestinal problems (such as bleeding, heartburn, ulcers), stroke, swelling of the ankles/feet/hands.

Kidney problems can sometimes occur with the use of NSAID medications, including ketorolac. Problems are more likely to occur if you are dehydrated, have heart failure or kidney disease, are an older adult, or if you take certain medications (see also Drug Interactions section). Drink plenty of fluids as directed by your doctor to prevent dehydration and tell your doctor right away if you have a change in the amount of urine.

This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Avoid alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).

This medicine may cause stomach/intestinal bleeding. Daily use of alcohol and tobacco, especially when combined with this medicine, may increase your risk for stomach bleeding. Limit alcohol and stop smoking. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Disclaimer: Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.