Toradol (Ketorolac)

Ketorolac is the generic form of the brand-name drug Toradol, which is used to relieve short-term, moderate-to-severe pain in adults. This medication is typically given before or after medical procedures or after surgery.

Toradol is in a group of drugs known as non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs), which work by blocking your body's production of natural substances that cause inflammation.

This medicine is given in an oral and injection form. It was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1989. 

Toradol Warnings

NSAIDs, such as Toradol, may increase the risk for a heart attack or stroke. Although rare, this risk may be greater if you have heart disease or an increased risk for heart disease. Your risk may also increase with prolonged use.

This medicine may cause rare but serious bleeding from the stomach or intestines. This side effect can occur without warning. Older adults may be at a higher risk for stomach bleeding. You should not use Toradol if you have stomach or intestinal issues.

To reduce your risk of stomach bleeding, take this drug at the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration possible. Do not increase your dose or take it more frequently.

Toradol should not be used right before or right after heart bypass surgery or before any type of surgery. It should not be used during labor/delivery or in patients with severe kidney problems.

Kidney problems can sometimes occur while taking NSAIDs. These issues are more likely to happen if you are dehydrated. You should drink plenty of fluids while taking Toradol and tell your doctor about any signs of dehydration.

You should not take Toradol if you are taking high doses of aspirin or other NSAIDs.

You should tell your doctor about your medical history, especially if you have ever had:

• Asthma
• Worsening breathing after taking other NSAIDs
• Bleeding or clotting problems
• Blood disorders
• Heart disease
• Previous heart attack
• High blood pressure
• Liver disease
• Nasal polyps (growths in the nose)
• Throat, stomach, or intestinal problems
• Stroke
• Swelling of the ankles, feet, or hands

You should not take Toradol for more than five days. If you still have pain after five days, talk with your healthcare provider about other medications. You should not take more than 40 milligrams (mg) of the pill form of Toradol in a 24-hour period.

You should keep all appointments with your doctor while taking Toradol. Your physician will monitor your symptoms carefully and will likely order tests to check your body's response to the drug.

Pregnancy and Toradol

Toradol should only be used when clearly needed during pregnancy. It is not recommended for use during the first and last trimesters because of the possible negative effects it could pose on an unborn baby. The medication may also interfere with normal labor/delivery.

This drug can pass into breast milk. You should talk with your doctor before taking Toradol, if you are breastfeeding.

Ketorolac (Toradol) Side Effects

Common Side Effects of Toradol:

You should tell your doctor if any of the following side effects are severe or do not go away.

• Headache
• Drowsiness
• Dizziness
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Sweating
• Sores in the mouth
• Gas

Serious Side Effects of Toradol:

You should alert your doctor right away if you experience any of the of the following side effects.

• Fever
• Yellowing of the eyes or skin
• Blisters
• Lack of energy
• Excessive tiredness
• Unusual bleeding or bruising
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea
• Pale skin
• Pain in the upper right part of the stomach
• Flu-like symptoms
• Back pain
• Fast heartbeat
• Cloudy, discolored, or bloody urine
• Difficult or painful urination

Ketorolac (Toradol) Interactions