Ketorolac
Generic Name: Ketorolac
Uses & Medical Indications
Short-term management of moderate to severe acute pain
Postoperative pain
Work Mechanism & Pharmacology
Patient Overview of Work Mechanism
Ketorolac calms inflammation and blocks chemical pain signals in the nervous system to deliver targeted relief from aches, fever, and stiffness.
Clinical Mechanism of Action (MoA)
Ketorolac reduces pain perception and inflammatory hyperalgesia by inhibiting cyclooxygenase-mediated prostaglandin synthesis or modulating central nociceptive transmission.
Dosage & Administration Guidelines
30 mg IV/IM every 6 hours
0.5 mg/kg IV/IM single dose
15 mg IV/IM every 6 hours
120 mg/day (adult), 40 mg/day (oral)
Reduce dose, contraindicated in advanced disease
Use with caution
Side Effects & Safety Warnings
Headache, nausea, dyspepsia
GI bleeding, acute renal failure, bleeding risk
Active peptic ulcer, high bleeding risk, CABG
Black box warning for GI, renal, and bleeding risks
Interactions (Drugs, Food & Alcohol)
Anticoagulants, other NSAIDs, ACE inhibitors
Take oral form with food
Avoid
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safety
Contraindicated in labor and delivery
Excreted in milk, use alternatives
Patient Counseling & Practical Advice
Do not take longer than 5 days
Take as soon as remembered, do not double
Renal function, signs of bleeding
Related Medicines in NSAID
When to Seek Urgent Medical Attention
Seek immediate emergency medical care (call emergency services or proceed to the nearest emergency department) if you experience signs of a life-threatening allergic reaction (anaphylaxis: facial, lip, tongue, or throat swelling causing airway obstruction), severe cutaneous blistering with skin peeling, sudden intense chest pain, or symptoms of overdose.
Content for Ketorolac was synthesized from standardized public health monographs, official pharmacopoeias, and health authorities:
- Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) — National List of Essential Medicines
- World Health Organization (WHO) — Model List of Essential Medicines
- Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC) — Indian Pharmacopoeia Drug Monographs
- National Health Service (NHS) — Medicines A to Z Clinical Guidelines
The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.