Toradol
Why is this medication prescribed?
Ketorolac is used to relieve moderately severe pain, usually after surgery. Ketorolac is in a class of medications called NSAIDs. It works by stopping the body's production of a substance that causes pain, fever, and inflammation.
How should this medicine be used?
Ketorolac comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken every 4 to 6 hours on a schedule or as needed for pain. If you are taking ketorolac on a schedule, take it at around the same times every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand.
Other uses for this medicine
This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
What special precautions should I follow?
Before taking ketorolac,
some medications should not be taken with ketorolac. Other medications may cause dosing changes or extra monitoring when taken with ketorolac. Make sure you have discussed any medications you are currently taking or plan to take before starting ketorolac with your doctor and pharmacist. Before starting, stopping, or changing any medications while taking ketorolac, please get the advice of your doctor or pharmacist.
the following nonprescription products may interact with ketorolac: aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others) and naproxen (Aleve). Be sure to let your doctor and pharmacist know that you are taking these medications before you start taking ketorolac. Do not start any of these medications while taking ketorolac without discussing with your healthcare provider.
tell your doctor if you have or have ever had the conditions mentioned in the IMPORTANT WARNING section or heart failure or swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs.
tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant; or are breast-feeding. Ketorolac may harm the fetus and cause problems with delivery if it is taken around 20 weeks or later during pregnancy. Do not take ketorolac around or after 20 weeks of pregnancy, unless you are told to do so by your doctor. If you become pregnant while taking ketorolac, call your doctor.
talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of taking ketorolac if you are 65 years of age or older. Older adults should not usually take ketorolac because it is not as safe as other medications that can be used to treat the same condition.
you should know that this medication may make you drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you.
talk to your doctor about the safe use of alcohol while taking this medication. Alcohol can make the side effects of ketorolac worse.
What special dietary instructions should I follow?
Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.
What should I do if I forget a dose?
If your doctor has told you to take ketorolac regularly, take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
What side effects can this medication cause?
Ketorolac may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
headache
dizziness
drowsiness
diarrhea
constipation
gas
sores in the mouth
sweating
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of the following symptoms, or those mentioned in the IMPORTANT WARNING section, call your doctor immediately. Do not take any more ketorolac until you speak to your doctor.
fever
blisters
unexplained weight gain
shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
swelling in the abdomen, ankles, feet, or legs
yellowing of the skin or eyes
excessive tiredness
unusual bleeding or bruising
lack of energy
nausea
loss of appetite
pain in the upper right part of the stomach
flu-like symptoms
pale skin
fast heartbeat
cloudy, discolored, or bloody urine
back pain
difficult or painful urination
Ketorolac may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online (https://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch) or by phone (1-800-332-1088).
What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication?
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom).
Keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers are not child-resistant. Always lock safety caps. Place the medication in a safe location – one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach. https://www.upandaway.org
Dispose of unneeded medications in a way so that pets, children, and other people cannot take them. Do not flush this medication down the toilet. Use a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist about take-back programs in your community. Visit the FDA's Safe Disposal of Medicines website https://goo.gl/c4Rm4p for more information.
In case of emergency/overdose
In case of overdose, call the poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222. Information is also available online at https://www.poisonhelp.org/help. If the victim has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be awakened, immediately call emergency services at 911.
Symptoms of overdose may include the following:
nausea
vomiting
stomach pain
bloody, black, or tarry stools
vomit that is bloody or looks like coffee grounds
drowsiness
slowed breathing or fast, shallow breathing
coma (loss of consciousness for a period of time)
What other information should I know?
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
Keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines, vitamins, minerals, and dietary supplements you are taking. Bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to the hospital. You should carry the list with you in case of emergencies.
Brand names
Toradol®