Has your doctor prescribed you a nasal spray for a recent bout of severe pain? It may seem a little strange. Most often, this medicine is called Ketorolac. This is a special medicine that is usually given to control short-term, moderate to severe pain. In this article, we will talk about it all in a simple way, as if you were telling a friend.
Simply put, what is Ketorolac?
Ketorolac is a painkiller. But it is not a common painkiller like Paracetamol. It belongs to a group of drugs called NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs) . You may have heard of drugs like Ibuprofen and Diclofenac. This also belongs to the same group. Its main function is to reduce the chemical processes that cause pain and swelling in the body. When it is given as a nasal spray, the medicine is quickly absorbed into the body and relieves pain.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Ketorolac is a fairly strong medication. Therefore, it is very important to give your doctor a complete description of your health condition. If you have any of the conditions below, be sure to tell your doctor before starting this medication.
| Your health condition or habit | Description |
|---|---|
| Bleeding diseases | Diseases that prevent blood from clotting easily. |
| Smoking | If you are a smoker. |
| Heart surgery | If you have recently (within the past 2 weeks) had heart bypass surgery (CABG surgery). |
| Drinking alcohol | If you drink more than 3 alcoholic beverages a day. |
| Heart disease or high blood pressure | If you have heart disease or high blood pressure. |
| Stomach bleeding | If you have previously had bleeding or ulcers in the stomach or intestines. |
| Kidney or liver disease | If you have any kidney or liver disease. |
| Respiratory diseases | If you have lung or respiratory diseases such as asthma. |
| Allergies | If you are allergic to Ketorolac, Aspirin or other NSAIDs, other medicines, foods, or dyes. |
| Pregnancy or breastfeeding | If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding. |
How exactly do you use this?
This medicine is for nasal use only. Use only the prescribed amount, at the prescribed time, as directed by your doctor. Never use more than the prescribed amount or more often.
- For children: This medicine is not approved for use in children.
- People over 65 years of age: Older people may be more sensitive to the effects of this drug, so they may be prescribed a lower dose.
What to do if you take too much? (Overdose)
If you have any suspicion that you have taken more than the prescribed dose of this medicine, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice. This is very important.
This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Do not share it with anyone else for any reason.
Other things that may interact with this medicine (Interactions)
Ketorolac can interact with other medications, vitamins, and herbal products you are taking. So tell your doctor about everything you are taking. Avoid or be very careful taking this medicine with the following:
| Avoid taking Ketorolac with these altogether | |
|---|---|
| Aspirin and aspirin-containing medicines | Other NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen and naproxen |
| Methotrexate | Cidofovir |
| Pemetrexed | Pentoxifylline |
| Probenecid | |
| Extreme caution should be exercised when taking Ketorolac with these (medical advice is essential). | |
| Alcohol | Medicines that prevent blood clotting (e.g. Warfarin) |
| Medications for high blood pressure | Lithium |
| Muscle relaxants | Some antidepressants (e.g. Fluoxetine) |
The most important things to consider when taking the medicine
- Do not use for more than 5 days: This is only a short-term treatment . If used for more than 5 days, the risk of kidney damage and stomach bleeding increases significantly.
- Do not take other painkillers: Do not take other NSAIDs such as Aspirin, Ibuprofen, or Naproxen while taking this medicine. Doing so increases the risk of side effects such as stomach irritation, nausea, and stomach ulcers.
- Stomach bleeding: Stomach ulcers and bleeding can occur without warning . If you notice any stomach pain, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, or pass black, tarry stools, call your doctor right away.
- Alcohol: Avoid drinking alcohol. Alcohol increases the risk of side effects.
- Serious skin reactions: Sometimes serious skin reactions can occur even weeks after starting the medication. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience fever, body aches, red skin rash, blistering, peeling skin, or swelling of the face, lips, or lymph nodes.
- Heart attack and stroke risk:
- During pregnancy: Taking this medicine between 20 and 30 weeks of pregnancy may harm the unborn baby. After 30 weeks, you should avoid taking this medicine altogether. Talk to your doctor about this.
- Drowsiness and dizziness: This medication may make you feel drowsy and dizzy. Therefore, avoid activities that require alertness, such as driving or operating machinery, until you know how this medication affects you.
- Unopened bottles: Store in the refrigerator. Do not store in the freezer.
- Opened bottles: Once opened, store at room temperature. Discard any residue within 24 hours of opening.
- Keep out of reach of children and pets.
- Ketorolac is a short-term , potent analgesic for moderate to severe pain.
- Do not use for more than 5 days for any reason.
- Before starting the medication , be sure to tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions and other medications you are taking.
- Seek immediate medical attention if you experience severe side effects such as stomach pain, black stools, severe skin rashes, or chest pain.
- Avoid drinking alcohol and taking other painkillers such as Aspirin and Ibuprofen while taking this medicine.
- Always follow your doctor's instructions carefully. If you have any concerns, don't hesitate to ask them.
This medicine will not prevent a heart attack or stroke. In fact, it may increase your risk when used for a long time or if you already have heart disease.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, Ketorolac can cause side effects. Some are serious, while others are common.
| Serious side effects that should be reported to your doctor immediately | |
|---|---|
| Severe allergies | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Symptoms of a heart attack | Pain or tightness in the chest, shoulder, arm, or jaw, nausea, difficulty breathing. |
| Stomach bleeding | Vomiting blood or brownish stools like coffee grounds, and passing stools that are black like tar. |
| Symptoms of a Stroke | Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm or leg, difficulty speaking, difficulty walking, severe headache. |
| Kidney damage | Decreased urine output, swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet. |
| Liver damage | Pain in the upper right side of the stomach, loss of appetite, yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine. |
| Things that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Dryness or inflammation in the nose | Sore throat or inflammation |
| Tears coming from the eyes after taking medicine | |
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