Toradol

Toradol is the brand name for ketorolac tromethamine, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used for the short-term management of moderate to severe acute pain, particularly after surgery. It is typically given by injection or, in some regions, as an oral formulation.

Ketorolac works by nonselectively inhibiting cyclooxygenase enzymes (COX-1 and COX-2), reducing prostaglandin synthesis. This provides potent analgesia, with anti-inflammatory effects that are relatively limited at customary analgesic doses. After intravenous or intramuscular administration, ketorolac acts quickly, and its elimination half-life is about 4 to 6 hours. It is primarily metabolized by the liver and excreted by the kidneys.

In adults, parenteral dosing commonly consists of 15–30 mg IV or IM every 6 hours as needed, with a maximum daily dose of 120 mg. Therapy is generally limited to short durations (often up to five days) due to risks of serious gastrointestinal and renal adverse events. Oral forms exist in some markets, but the parenteral route remains the standard for acute postoperative pain.

Contraindications include active peptic ulcer disease or GI bleeding, significant renal impairment, severe hepatic disease, and in the third trimester of pregnancy (and often during labor). Ketorolac should be used with caution in the elderly, individuals with dehydration or cardiovascular disease, and those with known NSAID hypersensitivity. It should not be combined with other NSAIDs or with certain anticoagulants without medical supervision.

Common adverse effects include gastrointestinal upset, nausea, dyspepsia, and headache; more serious risks include GI bleeding, renal impairment, edema, hypertension, and, rarely, anaphylaxis. Proper patient selection and adherence to dosing limits are essential to minimize safety concerns.