Last reviewed 2026-04-20 · How we verify

Toradol (KETOROLAC)

Toradol (KETOROLAC) is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that targets prostaglandin G/H synthase 1 to inhibit cyclooxygenase activity. Originally developed by Syntex Pharmaceuticals, it is now owned by Roche Palo and has been FDA-approved since 1989 for various pain indications. As a small molecule cyclooxygenase inhibitor, Toradol is available as a generic medication with 35 manufacturers and is off-patent. Key safety considerations include its potential for gastrointestinal and renal side effects. Toradol is used to treat acute postoperative pain, allergic conjunctivitis, and other severe pain conditions.

At a glance

Approved indications

• Acute postoperative pain
• Allergic conjunctivitis
• Post-Op Ocular Inflammation
• Post-Op Photophobia
• Postoperative Ocular Pain
• Severe pain

Boxed warnings

• WARNING Ketorolac tromethamine, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), is indicated for the short-term (up to 5 days in adults) management of moderately severe acute pain that requires analgesia at the opioid level. Oral ketorolac tromethamine is indicated only as continuation treatment following intravenous or intramuscular dosing of ketorolac tromethamine, if necessary. The total combined duration of use of oral ketorolac tromethamine and ketorolac tromethamine injection should not exceed 5 days. Ketorolac tromethamine is not indicated for use in pediatric patients and it is NOT indicated for minor or chronic painful conditions. Increasing the dose of ketorolac tromethamine beyond the label recommendations will not provide better efficacy but will increase the risk of developing serious adverse events. GASTROINTESTINAL RISK Ketorolac tromethamine can cause peptic ulcers, gastrointestinal bleeding and/or perforation of the stomach or intestines, which can be fatal. These events can occur at any time during use and without warning symptoms. Therefore, ketorolac tromethamine is CONTRAINDICATED in patients with active peptic ulcer disease, in patients with recent gastrointestinal bleeding or perforation, and in patients with a history of peptic ulcer disease or gastrointestinal bleeding. Elderly patients are at greater risk for serious gastrointestinal events (see WARNINGS ). CARDIOVASCULAR THROMBOTIC EVENTS Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) cause an increased risk of serious cardiovascular thrombotic events, including myocardial infarction and stroke, which can be fatal. This risk may occur early in treatment and may increase with duration of use (see WARNINGS and PRECAUTIONS ). Ketorolac tromethamine is CONTRAINDICATED in the setting of coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery (see CONTRAINDICATIONS and WARNINGS ). RENAL RISK Ketorolac tromethamine is CONTRAINDICATED in patients with advanced renal impairment and in patients at risk for renal failure due to volume depletion (see WARNINGS ). RISK OF BLEEDING Ketorolac tromethamine inhibits platelet function and is, therefore, CONTRAINDICATED in patients with suspected or confirmed cerebrovascular bleeding, patients with hemorrhagic diathesis, incomplete hemostasis and those at high risk of bleeding (see WARNINGS and PRECAUTIONS ). Ketorolac tromethamine is CONTRAINDICATED as prophylactic analgesic before any major surgery. HYPERSENSITIVITY Hypersensitivity reactions, ranging from bronchospasm to anaphylactic shock, have occurred and appropriate counteractive measures must be available when administering the first dose of ketorolac tromethamine injection (see CONTRAINDICATIONS and WARNINGS ). Ketorolac tromethamine is CONTRAINDICATED in patients with previously demonstrated hypersensitivity to ketorolac tromethamine or allergic manifestations to aspirin or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). INTRATHECAL OR EPIDURAL ADMINISTRATION Ketorolac tromethamine is CONTRAINDICATED for intrathecal or epidural administration due to its alcohol content. RISK DURING LABOR AND DELIVERY The use of ketorolac tromethamine in labor and delivery is CONTRAINDICATED because it may adversely affect fetal circulation and inhibit uterine contractions. CONCOMITANT USE WITH NSAIDs Ketorolac tromethamine is CONTRAINDICATED in patients currently receiving aspirin or NSAIDs because of the cumulative risk of inducing serious NSAID-related side effects. SPECIAL POPULATIONS Dosage should be adjusted for patients 65 years or older, for patients under 50 kg (110 lbs.) of body weight (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION ) and for patients with moderately elevated serum creatinine (see WARNINGS ). Doses of ketorolac tromethamine injection are not to exceed 60 mg (total dose per day) in these patients. DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Ketorolac Tromethamine Tablets Ketorolac tromethamine tablets are indicated only as continuation therapy to ketorolac tromethamine injection, and the combined duration of use of ketorolac tromethamine injection and ketorolac tromethamine tablets is not to exceed 5 (five) days, because of the increased risk of serious adverse events. The recommended total daily dose of ketorolac tromethamine tablets (maximum 40 mg) is significantly lower than for ketorolac tromethamine injection (maximum 120 mg) (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION ).

Common side effects

• Drug hypersensitivity
• Nightmare
• Nephrolithiasis
• Ulcerative keratitis
• Sedation
• Respiratory depression
• Victim of child abuse
• Drug dependence
• Epidural lipomatosis
• Product used for unknown indication
• Punctate keratitis
• Anaphylactic reaction

Drug interactions

• acetylsalicylic acid
• bromfenac
• celecoxib
• choline salicylate
• diclofenac
• diflunisal
• etodolac
• fenoprofen
• flurbiprofen
• ibuprofen
• indomethacin
• ketoprofen

Key clinical trials

• Examining Analgesic Synergy and Efficacy in Trauma Care (PHASE4)
• Effects of Red and Infrared Photobiomodulation in Rhinoplasty at a Single Centre (NA)
• Paracervical Block With Combined Ketorolac and Lidocaine for Osmotic Dilator Placement (PHASE2)
• Nonopioid Analgesia After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction (PHASE2,PHASE3)
• The Efficiency of Periarticular Multimodal Drug Injection in Pain Management Following Primary Unilateral TKA (NA)
• Comparison of Pain Reduction in Painful Chronic Wounds With and Without Fat Grafting (NA)
• Postoperative Pain Will be Compared in Cholecystectomy Patients: Half Receiving TAP Block and Half Without it. (NA)
• Rectal Indomethacin vs Intravenous Ketorolac (PHASE4)

Primary sources

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Competitive intelligence

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