Uses of Ketorolac

Ketorolac indicated for the short-term management of sudden moderately severe pain that occurs usually after any surgical procedure and musculoskeletal pain.

It also used to reduce the eye pain, inflammation, burning or stinging sensation that occurs after corneal refractive surgery.

Therapeutic Category

Ketorolac: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)   

How Ketorolac works

Ketorolac works by blocking the effects of prostaglandin (substance produced during injury and inflammation causing pain), pain signals between the brain and nerve endings. The inhibition of these substances results in reduced pain and inflammation thus relieves the condition.

Common side effects of Ketorolac

• Nausea, indigestion, stomach pain, diarrhea, constipation
• Dizziness, drowsiness, headache
• Swelling
• Sleepiness or lack of sleep
• Nervousness
• Fever
• Sweating
• Injection site pain
• Relaxed blood vessels
• Eye irritation, stinging or burning sensation the eye
• Eye pain
• Allergic reaction
• Puffiness or swelling of eye or eyelid
• Red and itchy eyes
• Infection or inflammation of the eye either on the surface or inside
• Retinal bleeding, swelling in the central retina (light-sensitive layer of the eye)
• Tip of the dropper when touch the eye may cause accidental injury
• Increased eye pressure
• Blurred or diminished vision

When to consult your doctor

Consult your doctor, if you experience:

• Severe eye pain
• Increased eye irritation or vision changes
• Shortness of breath
• Swelling, rapid weight gain
• Skin rash
• Bleeding in stomach (bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood or vomit that may look like coffee grounds)
• Liver problems (nausea, stomach pain, itchiness, tiredness, flu-like symptoms, clay-coloured stools, dark urine, yellowing of the skin or eyes, loss of appetite)
• Anaemia (paleness of skin, light-headedness, fast heart rate, difficulty in concentrating, shortness of breath)
• Kidney problems (little or no urine production, difficulty or pain while urinating, swelling of legs, tiredness, shortness of breath)
• Heart attack or stroke (chest pain spreading to jaw or shoulder, slurred speech, sudden numbness or weakness on one side of the body, feeling short of breath)
• Severe skin reaction
• Corneal problems (outermost see-through layer of the eye)

Health Tips for Ketorolac

• Take Ketorolac exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Follow the recommended dosage and duration of treatment
• Drinking alcohol while taking Ketorolac can increase the risk of stomach bleeding and other adverse effects
• Drink plenty of water while taking Ketorolac to help reduce the risk of kidney problems
• Inform your healthcare provider about all the medications, supplements and herbal products you are taking, as Ketorolac can interact with certain drugs
• Ketorolac is not recommended for use in pregnant or breastfeeding women