Scientific advances have transformed medicine as a necessary tool when it comes to improving the quality of life of multiple people , especially those who suffer from constant pain and/or inflammation.

To do this, they have seen the need to create a series of drugs such as ketorolac that can be indicated by specialists, depending on the pathology and symptoms manifested by the patient.

For this reason, in the following article we present all the information you need to know about ketorolac, the therapeutic action of this medication , its side effects and contraindications.

What is ketorolac?

Ketorolac is a drug belonging to the group of analgesics, antipyretics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) , whose treatment is effective in reducing moderate pain mainly caused by renal colic and postoperatively.

Note: This drug can be purchased in injectable solution or in 10 mg or 30 mg oral tablets , which may also contain excipients such as sodium and ethanol.

On the other hand, it can be administered in adults in doses from 10 mg to 30 mg every 4 to 6 hours (both in injection and in tablets) depending on the pain scale in which the patient is located. Likewise, this medicine can have a useful life or action of 5 to 7 hours and is eliminated in the urine .

What is ketorolac used for?

Medications made for pain treatment play an important role in the patient’s healing process. Here are some of the uses of ketorolac:

1. Postoperative pain

The short-term treatment of pain caused by a postoperative period may be intolerable for certain people. Medical interventions such as childbirth or other pathologies that require surgery, usually trigger strong ailments generated by the different tissues and nerves that have been altered .

You should know: According to scientific studies, ketorolac, being a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory or NSAID, can quickly produce an analgesic effect on postoperative pain thanks to the formulation of this medication.

2. Pain due to nephritic colic

Renal colic is caused by obstruction in the urinary tract, as a result of the presence of lithiasis or kidney stones. Consequently, the person tends to present severe ailments in the lower back .

To highlight: Some studies reveal that the therapeutic use of ketorolac together with other medications is beneficial in relieving pain from renal colic .

Ketorolac Side Effects

High concentrations of ketorolac can trigger reactions or adverse effects , including:

  • Liver failure.
  • Changes in blood pressure.
  • Abdominal pain.
  • hyperventilation
  • Nausea and vomiting.

Important: If you have any of the reactions described above, stop using it and see a specialist.

Contraindications of ketorolac

Before consuming ketorolac, it is important to inform a specialist and avoid its use in the following cases:

  • Patients with a history of renal failure, coagulation disorders, and cerebral hemorrhage. (3)
  • People who have a high risk of gastrointestinal bleeding, diagnosis of peptic ulcer or gastrointestinal perforation.
  • Patients suffering from hypovolemia or dehydration.
  • People with hypersensitivity to acetylsalicylic acid .
  • Children under 16 years of age and the elderly over 65 years of age.
  • Use during pregnancy and lactation is not recommended.
  • Ketorolac may interact with prostaglandin cyclooxygenase inhibitor medications.

You should know: This medication is recommended to be administered as directed by a physician .

Key Findings

  • Ketorolac is an analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic medication. 
  • The main function of this drug is to progressively reduce the acute pain presented mainly by colic or surgical interventions.
  • An overdose of this medication can cause abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting , among others.
  • It is contraindicated in renal and cardiovascular patients and those suffering from coagulation imbalances.

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