Ketorolac tablets
What do ketorolac tablets do?
KETOROLAC (Toradol(R)) is a nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug (NSAID). Ketorolac relieves mild to moderate pain in the short-term, including post-operative pain. Ketorolac should not be used for more than 5 days. Generic ketorolac tablets are available.
What should my health care professional know before I take ketorolac?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
• anemia or other blood disorders
• asthma
• bleeding problems
• cigarette smoker
• dental disease
• diabetes
• heart or circulation problems
• If you frequently drink alcohol-containing beverages, more than 3 alcohol-containing beverages a day
• kidney disease
• liver disease
• nasal polyps
• stomach or duodenal ulcers
• systemic lupus erythematosus
• ulcerative colitis
• an unusual or allergic reaction to aspirin, other salicylates, other NSAIDs, foods, dyes or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding
How should I take this medicine?
Take ketorolac tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow tablets or capsules whole with a full glass of water; take tablets or capsules in an upright or sitting position. Taking a sip of water first, before taking the tablets or capsules, may help you swallow them. If possible take bedtime doses at least 10 minutes before laying down. You can take ketorolac with food to prevent stomach upset. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
What other medicines can interact with ketorolac?
• agents that treat or prevent blood clots
• alcohol
• alendronate
• aspirin and aspirin-like medicines
• cyclosporine
• herbal products that contain feverfew, garlic, ginger, or ginkgo biloba
• lithium
• methotrexate
• other antiinflammatory drugs (such as ibuprofen or prednisone)
• water pills (diuretics)
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What side effects may I notice from taking ketorolac?
Elderly patients are more likely to get side effects.
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
• signs of bleeding - bruising, pinpoint red spots on the skin, black, tarry stools, blood in the urine
• chest pain or irregular heartbeat
• difficulty breathing
• pain on swallowing
• reduced amount of urine
• seizures (convulsions)
• skin rash, redness, blistering, peeling or itching
• stomach pain or cramps
• swelling of eyelids, throat, lips or feet
• unusual tiredness or weakness
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
• diarrhea or constipation
• dizziness, drowsiness
• gas or heartburn
• headache
• nausea, vomiting