Ketorolac

Ketorolac is an anti-inflammatory drug that is non-steroidal in nature. Ketorolac is mainly used to alleviate pain and inflammation for a short duration of a maximum of 5 consecutive days. It blocks the pain signals of the brain and stops the release of the chemical messengers that cause pain and inflammation. Doctors do not recommend it for long-term use as it can lead to several health issues like kidney problems, ulcers, stomach bleeding, asthma, etc.

Let’s get to the various aspects of this medicine to create a better understanding.

What are the uses of Ketorolac?

The most common uses of Ketorolac are as follows:

• Addressing Pain and Inflammation in Arthritis: Ketorolac is prescribed to alleviate pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
• Post-Surgery Pain Management: Healthcare professionals recommend Ketorolac for reducing pain and inflammation following surgical procedures.
• Managing Regular Joint and Muscle Inflammation: It is utilized to relieve everyday inflammation in joints and muscles.
• Treating Muscle Sprains and Injuries: Ketorolac is employed for the treatment of muscle sprains and injuries, aiding in pain relief and reducing inflammation.
• Effective Relief for Severe Toothaches: The medication demonstrates efficacy in the treatment of intense toothaches, providing significant pain relief.

How and when to take Ketorolac?

Doctors recommend dissolving Ketorolac in a glass of water and then taking the liquid. This medicine should always be taken after meals. Ketorolac may upset the stomach of some people. In that case, take an antacid with the medicine.

Usually, Ketorolac can be taken every 4 or 6 hours for 5 days. But you should always take the dosage as prescribed by the doctor. It is advised not to lie down for around 10-15 minutes after taking the medicine. If the pain still persists even after consuming it according to the prescribed dose, you should contact your doctor.

How does Ketorolac work?

Ketorolac, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), works by inhibiting the activity of enzymes known as cyclooxygenases (COX-1 and COX-2). These enzymes are involved in the synthesis of prostaglandins, which are substances that play a role in inflammation, pain, and fever.

• Inhibition of COX enzymes: Ketorolac inhibits both COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes. COX-1 is involved in maintaining the normal function of tissues, including the stomach lining and blood clotting. COX-2 is induced during inflammation and is associated with pain and swelling.
• Reduction of prostaglandin production: By inhibiting COX enzymes, ketorolac decreases the production of prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are chemical messengers that promote inflammation, sensitize pain receptors, and contribute to the development of fever.
• Pain relief, anti-inflammatory effects, and fever reduction: The reduction in prostaglandin levels leads to a decrease in inflammation, alleviation of pain, and a lowering of fever. This makes ketorolac effective for short-term pain management, such as postoperative pain or pain associated with certain medical conditions.

It's important to use ketorolac as directed by a healthcare professional and for the prescribed duration. Prolonged or excessive use of NSAIDs like ketorolac can be associated with potential side effects, particularly on the gastrointestinal system and kidneys. Therefore, it is typically prescribed for short-term use to minimize these risks.

What are the side effects of Ketorolac tablets?

The side effects of Ketorolac are many, from vomiting to drowsiness. 

The most common side effects of ketorolac are as follows:

• Stomach Pain

• Vomiting

• Diarrhoea

• Indigestion

• Heartburn

• Loss of appetite

• Nausea

• Dizziness

• Drowsiness

If you face any of the mentioned side effects persistently, stop taking the medicine and contact your doctor for help immediately.

Precautions to be taken while taking Ketorolac?

You should always have Ketorolac on a full stomach. If it is not possible for you to take it right after a meal, then at least take it with a glass of milk. It is not advised to take medicine on an empty stomach. If you suffer from any other ailments, inform your doctor about them. If you have certain diseases like kidney or liver issues, Ketorolac might cause serious harm to the body. In those cases, the doctor will either recommend some other drug or lower the dose if the disease is not very severe. You should not take Ketorolac tablets for mild pain.

Ketorolac may cause drowsiness and dizziness. So, you should try not to drive just after taking it, to avoid accidents. Never use Ketorolac to relieve labour pain. It should also not be taken just before surgery. If you face nausea or stomach issues after taking Ketorolac, have an antacid along with it. Do not take it with alcohol. It may cause severe health issues.

Pregnant women should consult the doctor first before taking Ketorolac, as it might be unsafe for the foetus, and the same goes for breastfeeding women. If they must take the drug, they should refrain from breastfeeding until the drug is eliminated from the body.

Prolonged use of ketorolac can lead to stomach and intestinal ulcers, hypertension, and kidney diseases. Ketorolac can also cause internal bleeding, liver problems, and asthma. 

What if I missed the dose of Ketorolac?

If you forget to take a dose of ketorolac, have it immediately when you remember. If it's close to the next dose, then take the next dose only and skip the missed one. Never take two doses together if you miss one to compensate for it.

What if I overdose on Ketorolac?

If ketorolac is taken in higher doses or for a longer period of time than recommended, it may cause abdominal pain, drowsiness, lack of stamina, nausea, and vomiting. Overdosing on Ketorolac for a long time might cause a patient to face serious ailments like ulcers, renal failure, and respiratory troubles. If you have taken ketorolac more than the recommended dose, seek medical help immediately.

What are the storage conditions for Ketorolac?

Try to keep this medicine at room temperature. Do not keep the tablet in direct sunlight. Heat and light will damage the drug. Make sure the tablets are out of the reach of children.

Can I take Ketorolac with other medications?

As mentioned earlier, ketorolac can affect the body adversely if the kidney or liver is already damaged. If you are currently on medication for some other illness, tell your doctor about it.

You should not take Ketorolac with any other painkillers like Naproxen, Ibuprofen, or Aspirin. It will aggravate the side effects and raise several complications, like internal bleeding.

Always consult your doctor if you are already on existing medications and are going to start taking Ketorolac.

How quickly will the Ketorolac tablet show results?

It varies from person to person according to their physical condition. But usually, ketorolac starts working within 60 minutes of consumption for an average person.

Ketorolac tablet Vs Tramadol + Paracetamol

In the table below, Ketorolac is compared with another anti-inflammatory drug, Tramadol + Paracetamol (a fixed-dose combination).

Faqs

1. Is ketorolac safe for children?

Ketorolac is generally not recommended for use in children under 16 years of age. Its safety and efficacy in pediatric populations have not been well-established, and alternative medications are often preferred for pain management in children. Always consult with a healthcare professional for guidance on appropriate pain relief options for children.

2. Can ketorolac be used for chronic pain conditions?

Ketorolac is typically not recommended for long-term use or the management of chronic pain conditions due to the risk of adverse effects, particularly on the gastrointestinal system and kidneys. It is commonly prescribed for short-term relief of moderate to severe pain, such as postoperative pain or pain associated with certain medical conditions.

3. Is ketorolac better than diclofenac?

The choice between ketorolac and diclofenac depends on the specific medical condition, individual patient characteristics, and the intended use. Both are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and share similarities in their mechanisms of action. The selection between the two is often based on factors like the type and severity of pain, the patient's medical history, and any existing health conditions. The comparative efficacy and safety should be discussed with a healthcare provider.

4. Is Ketorolac effective?

Ketorolac is effective for the short-term management of moderate to severe pain. It is commonly used in situations such as postoperative pain, pain from certain medical conditions, or other acute pain scenarios. Its effectiveness varies depending on the specific condition being treated. Always follow the prescribed dosage and duration provided by a healthcare professional to optimize effectiveness and minimize the risk of side effects. If you have questions about its effectiveness for your specific situation, consult with your healthcare provider.

References:

https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-3919/ketorolac-oral/details https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/ketorolac-oral-route-injection-route/side-effects/drg-20066882?p=1

Disclaimer: The information provided here is not meant to substitute an advice from a healthcare professional. The information is not intended to cover all the possible uses, side-effects, precautions, and drug interactions. This information is not intended to suggest that using a specific drug is suitable, safe, or efficient for you or anyone else. The absence of any information or warning regarding the drug should not be interpreted as an implicit guarantee from the organisation. We strongly advise you to consult a doctor if you have any concerns about the drug and never use the medication without a doctor’s prescription.