Last reviewed 2026-04-23 · How we verify

Ketorolac Pill

Ketorolac is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that inhibits cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes to reduce prostaglandin synthesis and decrease pain and inflammation.

Ketorolac is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that inhibits cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes to reduce prostaglandin synthesis and decrease pain and inflammation. Used for Moderate to severe acute pain (short-term use), Postoperative pain management.

At a glance

Mechanism of action

Ketorolac works by blocking COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes, which are responsible for producing prostaglandins that mediate pain, inflammation, and fever. By reducing prostaglandin levels, ketorolac provides rapid analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. It is typically used for short-term management of moderate to severe acute pain.

Approved indications

• Moderate to severe acute pain (short-term use)
• Postoperative pain management

Common side effects

• Gastrointestinal upset / dyspepsia
• Nausea
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Renal impairment
• Cardiovascular events

Key clinical trials

• Opioid-Free Pain Protocol After Shoulder Arthroplasty (PHASE4)
• Study of Ketorolac Versus Opioid for Pain After Endoscopy (PHASE4)
• Efficacy of Methylprednisolone for Pain Control After ACL Repair (PHASE4)
• Efficacy and Safety of Escócia Association in the Treatment of Acute Pain (PHASE2)
• Multimodal Opioid-free Anesthesia Versus Opioid-based Anesthesia for Patients Undergoing Cardiac Valve Surgeries: RCT (EARLY_PHASE1)
• Effect of Postoperative Ketorolac on Bone Healing After Joint Fusion (PHASE3)
• Relieving Acute Pain (RAP) Study: A Pilot Study (PHASE2)
• ACL Repair and Multimodal Analgesia (PHASE4)

Primary sources

Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.