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Ketorolac, intramuscular
Ketorolac is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that inhibits cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes to reduce prostaglandin synthesis, thereby decreasing inflammation and pain.
Ketorolac is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that inhibits cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes to reduce prostaglandin synthesis, thereby decreasing inflammation and pain. Used for Moderate to severe acute pain (short-term use, typically ≤5 days), Postoperative pain.
At a glance
| Generic name | Ketorolac, intramuscular |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Toradol |
| Sponsor | The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston |
| Drug class | Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) |
| Target | Cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) and Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Pain Management / Anesthesia |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Ketorolac blocks both COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes, which are responsible for producing prostaglandins that mediate inflammation, pain, and fever. By reducing prostaglandin levels, ketorolac provides rapid analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. The intramuscular formulation allows for quick onset of action, making it suitable for acute moderate to severe pain management in hospital and clinical settings.
Approved indications
- Moderate to severe acute pain (short-term use, typically ≤5 days)
- Postoperative pain
Common side effects
- Gastrointestinal bleeding or ulceration
- Renal impairment
- Dyspepsia
- Nausea
- Headache
- Dizziness
Key clinical trials
- R.E.C.K vs Exparel in Robotic Nephrectomy (PHASE3)
- Comparing Intramuscular Fentanyl and Ketorolac With Nerve of Arnold (NOA) Block for Bilateral Myringotomy (PHASE4)
- Study on Ketorolac for Improving Outcomes and Prognosis in Patients With Stanford Type A Aortic Dissection (PHASE3)
- Intramuscular Ketorolac at Two Single-Dose Regimens (PHASE4)
- Ketorolac Use in Pediatric Patients Undergoing Tonsillectomy (PHASE4)
- Haloperidol for Pain Control in Patients With Acute Musculoskeletal Back Pain in the Emergency Department (PHASE4)
- Multi-Modal Anesthesia Protocol in Pain Management of Patients Undergoing Posterior Lumbar Spinal Fusion Surgery (PHASE4)
- Multimodal Pain Management for Cesarean Delivery (PHASE4)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- Ketorolac, intramuscular CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Ketorolac, intramuscular updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston portfolio CI