What is this medicine?
KETOROLAC (kee toe ROLE ak) is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It is used to treat moderate to severe pain for up to 5 days. It is commonly used after surgery. This medicine should not be used for more than 5 days.
How should I use this medicine?
This medicine is for injection into a muscle or into a vein. It is given by a health care professional in a hospital or clinic setting.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 2 years old for selected conditions, precautions do apply.
Patients over 65 years old may have a stronger reaction and need a smaller dose.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
black or tarry stools
changes in vision
high blood pressure
redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
severe abdominal pain
slurred speech or weakness on one side of the body
trouble passing urine or change in the amount of urine
unexplained weight gain or swelling
unusual bleeding or bruising
unusually weak or tired
yellowing of eyes or skin
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
What may interact with this medicine?
Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:
aspirin and aspirin-like medicines
NSAIDs, medicines for pain and inflammation, like ibuprofen or naproxen
This medicine may also interact with the following medications:
medicines for blood pressure like enalapril
medicines that affect platelets like pentoxifylline
medicines that treat or prevent blood clots like heparin, warfarin
What if I miss a dose?
This does not apply.
Where should I keep my medicine?
This drug is given in a hospital or clinic and will not be stored at home.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
asthma, especially aspirin-sensitive asthma
stomach bleed, ulcer, or other problem
taking aspirin, other NSAID, or probenecid
an unusual or allergic reaction to ketorolac, tromethamine, aspirin, other NSAIDs, other medicines, foods, dyes or preservatives
pregnant or trying to get pregnant
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
Tell your doctor or healthcare professional if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.
This medicine does not prevent heart attack or stroke. In fact, this medicine may increase the chance of a heart attack or stroke. The chance may increase with longer use of this medicine and in people who have heart disease. If you take aspirin to prevent heart attack or stroke, talk with your doctor or health care professional.
Do not take medicines such as ibuprofen and naproxen with this medicine. Side effects such as stomach upset, nausea, or ulcers may be more likely to occur. Many medicines available without a prescription should not be taken with this medicine.
This medicine can cause ulcers and bleeding in the stomach and intestines at any time during treatment. Do not smoke cigarettes or drink alcohol. These increase irritation to your stomach and can make it more susceptible to damage from this medicine. Ulcers and bleeding can happen without warning symptoms and can cause death.
This medicine can cause you to bleed more easily. Try to avoid damage to your teeth and gums when you brush or floss your teeth.