Ketorolac is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that can help with pain and inflammation. The FDA does not explicitly approve it for treating dysmenorrhea, the medical term for menstrual cramps. However, some doctors may prescribe it off-label for this condition, meaning they use it for a different purpose than what it was approved for. Off-label use of ketorolac for dysmenorrhea is based on some evidence that it can provide significant pain relief for some women 12. However, ketorolac should only be used for short-term management of moderate to severe pain, and not for mild or chronic pain. It also has serious side effects and contraindications that should be considered before use 34. Therefore, ketorolac should only be used as an option for dysmenorrhea under the guidance of a doctor who can weigh the benefits and risks of this medication.
Ketorolac
- I. Introduction
- II. Uses of Ketorolac
- III. How Ketorolac Works
- IV. Composition of Ketorolac
- V. Dosage and Administration
- VI. Side Effects of Ketorolac
- VII. Drug Interactions
- VIII. Warnings and Contraindications
- IX. Careful Administration and Important Precautions
- X. Special Administration Considerations
- XI. Overdosage and Management
- XII. Storage and Handling Precautions
I. Introduction
Brief Overview of Ketorolac
Ketorolac is a type of medication known for its pain-relieving effects. It falls under anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and is commonly used in acute situations to alleviate moderate to severe pain.
Scope of the Article
This article explores the aspects of Ketorolac, including its many uses, how it works, and the numerous precautions that need to be considered when using it.
Importance of Medical Consultation
Although this article provides an explanation of Ketorolac, it is essential to remember that it does not replace the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional. It is crucial to consult with a healthcare provider for clinically sound advice.
II. Uses of Ketorolac
a. Pain Management in Adults
Post-operative Pain
Ketorolac is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is frequently used for pain relief after surgery1. It works by interfering with the body’s production of hormones that influence pain2. Ketorolac is as effective as other NSAIDs and superior to opioids in reducing pain following surgery3. Ketorolac appears to provide enhanced pain relief while also decreasing the requirements for morphine during the immediate 24-hour post-operative period3. Ketorolac is often used alongside other treatments to minimize the need for opioids4. Managing postoperative pain can be quite challenging. Ketorolac offers an effective alternative to the usual opioid-focused approaches5.
References:
- Toradol for Pain Relief After Surgery - Verywell Health
- Ketorolac (Oral Route, Injection Route) Side Effects - Mayo Clinic
- Single Injection of Ketorolac Reduces Surgical Pain More Effectively Than Opioids - Clinical Pain Advisor
- Comparing the Efficacy of IV Ibuprofen and Ketorolac in the Management of Postoperative Pain Following Abdominal Surgery: A Prospective, Randomized, Double-Blind, Multicenter Trial - Frontiers in Surgery
- Ketorolac | SpringerLink
Acute Pain Conditions
Ketorolac is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is used for the short-term treatment of moderate to severe acute pain that requires opioid-level analgesia1. It works by blocking the production of prostaglandins, chemicals that cells of the immune system make that cause the redness, fever, and pain of inflammation2. Ketorolac is effective in relieving pain and inflammation, and is used to provide relief from various sorts of pain, such as sprains, strains and other injuries, as well as different types of arthritis and gout2. Ketorolac is really helpful in treating types of acute pain, such as renal colic and sudden musculoskeletal pain3. It works quickly, providing fast relief, which is a great advantage4.
References:
- Single Injection of Ketorolac Reduces Surgical Pain More Effectively Than Opioids - Clinical Pain Advisor
- Ketorolac: Generic, NSAID Uses, Warnings, Side Effects, Dosage
- Ketorolac: Indication, Dosage, Side Effect, Precaution - MIMS
- Ketorolac dosing, indications, interactions, adverse effects, and more
b. Ophthalmic Uses
Post-cataract Surgery
Ketorolac is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is used to decrease inflammation in the eye. It is often prescribed to treat ocular discomfort associated with allergic conjunctivitis and cataract surgery1. The ophthalmic ketorolac solution comes in drops and should be administered as prescribed. Ketorolac is effective in relieving pain and inflammation, and is used to provide relief from various sorts of pain, such as sprains, strains and other injuries, as well as different types of arthritis and gout2. Ketorolac is often used as a solution for eye problems to help reduce inflammation and discomfort after cataract surgery3. It works by blocking the production of prostaglandins, chemicals that cells of the immune system make that cause the redness, fever, and pain of inflammation2. Ketorolac is typically used for two weeks after the surgery3.
References:
- Ketorolac Eye Drops Before Cataract Surgery - Eye Surgery Guide
- Ketorolac: Generic, NSAID Uses, Warnings, Side Effects, Dosage
- How Long to Use Ketorolac Eye Drops After Cataract Surgery - Eye Surgery Guide
Ocular Inflammation
Ketorolac is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to treat pain and inflammation in various conditions1. The drug’s ability to reduce inflammation is not limited to being taken orally or by injection. It also helps relieve inflammation in the eyes in conditions, like uveitis2. Uveitis is a form of eye inflammation that affects the middle layer of tissue in the eye wall (uvea)3. It can cause eye redness, pain, light sensitivity, blurred vision, and decreased vision3. Ketorolac eye drops are used to treat itching caused by seasonal allergic conjunctivitis and to treat the eye's pain, burning, and inflammation following cataract surgery or corneal refractive surgery4. Ketorolac works by blocking the production of prostaglandins, chemicals that cells of the immune system make that cause the redness, fever, and pain of inflammation1. Ketorolac may also be used as an intravitreal injection for chronic uveitis and macular edema, but this requires further clinical trials to determine its safety and efficacy.
References:
- Ketorolac: Generic, NSAID Uses, Warnings, Side Effects, Dosage
- Ketorolac (Ophthalmic Route) Side Effects - Mayo Clinic
- Uveitis - Symptoms & causes - Mayo Clinic
- Intravitreal Ketorolac for Chronic Uveitis and Macular Edema
c. Off-Label Uses
Migraines
Ketorolac is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that can help with migraine symptoms. Its effectiveness depends on the cause of the migraine. Although people can no longer get the Toradol brand in the U.S., the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has noted that its withdrawal from the market was not due to safety or efficacy concerns1. Ketorolac is an evidence-based, first-line acute migraine therapy that is commonly used in the pediatric population2. It is used as an abortive therapy, which means it can stop a migraine after it has started1. However, it is not FDA-approved to treat migraines, and doctors may prescribe it off-label for this purpose13. Off-label drug use means that a drug that has been approved by the FDA for one purpose is used for a different purpose that has not been approved3.
References:
1: Toradol for migraine: How it works, side effects, and more 2: Management of the Acute Migraine Headache | AAFP 3: Toradol for Migraine Pain: How It Works and More - Healthline