Sometimes we feel unbearable pain, right? Maybe it's the pain that comes after surgery or a major accident. In times like these, Ketorolac is a mild painkiller injection that doctors use to control pain for a short period of time. So let's talk about this in a little more detail today.
What is this Ketorolac?
Simply put, Ketorolac (also known by the brand name Toradol) is a painkiller. But it's not a painkiller like Paracetamol. It's used to control moderate to severe pain , especially for a few days.
This medicine belongs to a group of drugs called NSAID (Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug) . This means that this medicine works by controlling the chemicals in the body that cause pain and swelling (inflammation). This reduces pain, which can help you recover faster.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Before you are given Ketorolac, it is very important that your doctor is fully aware of your health condition. This is because it can be dangerous to use this medicine with certain medical conditions. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any of the conditions listed below.
| Medical condition/habit | Why do you need to talk about it? |
|---|---|
| Heart disease, high blood pressure, or heart attacks | Ketorolac can increase the risk of heart attack and stroke. This medicine should not be given to people who have recently had coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). |
| Stomach ulcers or bleeding | This medicine increases the risk of bleeding in the stomach and intestines. It is even more dangerous if you have had these problems before. |
| Kidney or liver disease | This medicine can affect the kidneys and liver. Therefore, if the function of these organs is impaired, the doctor should be aware of it. |
| Asthma or other respiratory diseases | Some asthma patients may be allergic to NSAIDs. |
| Taking medication to prevent blood clots (e.g. Warfarin) | Taking Ketorolac and this medication together greatly increases the risk of bleeding. |
| Drinking alcohol and smoking | Both of these habits increase the risk of stomach bleeding. |
| Being pregnant or trying to have a baby | This medicine may be harmful to the baby during pregnancy (especially the last 3 months). |
| Being a breastfeeding mother | The medicine can pass to the baby through breast milk, so tell your doctor about it. |
| Allergies to other medications, foods, or substances | It is imperative to mention if you are allergic to Ketorolac or other NSAIDs (such as Aspirin, Ibuprofen). |
How do you use this medicine?
This medicine is not something you can take home. It is usually given by a doctor or nurse in a hospital or clinic, into a vein or into a muscle.
You will be given a special information leaflet (MedGuide) about this medicine every time you are given it. Read it carefully and understand it. People over 65 years of age are usually given a lower dose because they are more likely to have side effects.
Important: If you suspect that you have taken too much of this medicine, inform the medical staff immediately. If necessary, call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Or go to a hospital Emergency Unit (ETU) immediately.
Other medications that may interact with Ketorolac
Taking Ketorolac with other medications can cause serious problems, so it is very important to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking.
| Do not take Ketorolac with these! | |
|---|---|
| Aspirin and similar drugs | Other NSAIDs (e.g., Ibuprofen, Naproxen) |
| Cidofovir | Methotrexate |
| Probenecid | Pentoxifylline |
| There may be problems with this medicine (tell your doctor ) | |
| Alcohol | Blood pressure medication (e.g. Enalapril) |
| Medicines that prevent blood clotting (e.g. Warfarin, Heparin) | Some medications for mental illness (e.g. Fluoxetine, Lithium) |
| Water pills (Diuretics) | Other herbal medicines (e.g. Ginkgo) |
This list may not include everything, so tell your doctor about all the medications you take, including vitamins and traditional medicines.
Things to keep in mind while taking the medicine
Do not use for more than 5 days!
This is the most important thing. Ketorolac is only used for a short period of time, a maximum of 5 days . If used for longer than that, the risk of serious side effects such as kidney damage and stomach bleeding is greatly increased.
Be aware of stomach ulcers and bleeding.
This medicine can cause stomach ulcers and bleeding without warning . If your stools are black, tarry, or contain coffee grounds, this could be a sign of stomach bleeding. If this happens, tell your doctor right away. This risk is higher in people who smoke, drink alcohol, are elderly, or have a medical condition that is not well.
Serious skin reactions
Rarely, a severe skin reaction may occur, even weeks after starting this medicine. If you develop a red rash with fever, body aches, and then blisters and the skin peels off, seek medical advice immediately.
Heart attack and stroke risk
This medicine will not prevent a heart attack or stroke. In fact, it may increase your risk, especially if you have heart disease or if you take this medicine for a long time.
Drowsiness and dizziness
You may feel drowsy or dizzy after taking this medicine. Therefore, do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine affects you.
Side effects that may occur due to medication
Like any medicine, Ketorolac can cause side effects. Some are serious, while others are common.
| If you experience these symptoms, tell your doctor immediately. | |
|---|---|
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue. |
| Symptoms of a heart attack | Tightness in the chest, shoulder, arm, difficulty breathing, nausea. |
| Symptoms of a Stroke | Sudden numbness of one side of the face, arm, or leg, difficulty speaking, or walking. |
| Stomach bleeding | Black, tarry stools, vomit that looks like coffee grounds. |
| Kidney damage | Decreased urine output, swelling of the ankles, hands, and feet. |
| Liver damage | Pain in the upper right side of the stomach, yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine. |
| If these persist or become bothersome, tell your doctor. | |
| Headache | Dizziness |
| Nausea | Stomach pain |
| Constipation or diarrhea | |
Take-Home Message
- Ketorolac is a medication used for severe pain and is only used for a short period of time, a maximum of 5 days .
- Before taking this medicine, be sure to tell your doctor about your heart disease, kidney disease, stomach ulcers, and all other medications you are taking.
- While taking the medication, be aware of serious symptoms such as black stools, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, and skin rashes.
- Avoid other NSAIDs such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and alcohol while taking Ketorolac.
- This medicine is only given in a hospital or clinic and is not for home use.
- If you have any problems or concerns, talk to your doctor immediately.
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