Ketorolac Tromethamine: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects & Safety

Ketorolac tromethamine is a prescription nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, commonly called an NSAID, used primarily for the short-term treatment of moderately severe acute pain. It is especially known for providing strong pain relief without being an opioid, which makes it useful in selected situations such as pain after surgery, dental procedures, injuries, and other acute conditions. However, ketorolac is not designed for long-term pain management because extended use can significantly increase the risk of stomach bleeding, kidney damage, cardiovascular problems, and other serious complications. Systemic ketorolac treatment is generally limited to a total of five days. Understanding its proper use, dosage limits, warnings, and possible side effects is therefore essential for anyone prescribed this medication.

Unlike common over-the-counter pain relievers, ketorolac requires careful medical supervision because its effectiveness comes with important safety restrictions. The medication may be given by injection and, in certain circumstances, followed by oral tablets for continued short-term treatment. Dosage depends on factors such as age, body weight, kidney function, route of administration, and overall health. Taking more than the recommended amount does not necessarily provide better pain control and may substantially increase the likelihood of serious adverse effects. People should never use another person’s ketorolac prescription or combine it with other NSAIDs without medical advice. The following guide explains how ketorolac tromethamine works, its common uses, typical dosage principles, side effects, drug interactions, and precautions.

What Is Ketorolac Tromethamine?

Ketorolac tromethamine is a potent NSAID used for the temporary relief of acute pain that is significant enough to require strong pain medication. It works differently from opioid painkillers because it does not activate opioid receptors in the brain and does not produce the same type of opioid-related euphoria. Instead, ketorolac reduces the production of chemicals called prostaglandins that contribute to pain, inflammation, and fever. By lowering prostaglandin activity, the medication can reduce pain intensity and inflammation in injured tissues. Because prostaglandins also protect the stomach lining and help maintain kidney blood flow, suppressing them can cause important side effects. This balance between strong pain relief and safety explains why treatment duration is deliberately limited.

Ketorolac belongs to the same broad medication family as ibuprofen, naproxen, and several prescription anti-inflammatory drugs. However, it is generally considered more suitable for short-term moderate-to-severe acute pain rather than routine headaches, minor aches, or chronic arthritis. Healthcare professionals commonly use it when strong non-opioid pain control is desirable, especially during the first few days after certain procedures. The medicine may help reduce the amount of opioid medication some patients require, although it is not appropriate for everyone. Patients with significant kidney disease, active gastrointestinal bleeding, certain cardiovascular risks, or particular medication combinations may need another pain-relief option. A clinician considers these factors before determining whether ketorolac is appropriate.

Systemic ketorolac may be available as an intravenous injection, intramuscular injection, and oral tablet depending on the country and clinical setting. In the United States, oral ketorolac is generally intended only as continuation therapy after intravenous or intramuscular treatment rather than as the initial form of treatment. There are also ketorolac products formulated for other purposes, such as ophthalmic eye drops and nasal preparations, which have different dosing instructions and safety considerations. These formulations should not be treated as interchangeable. A dose intended for one route cannot simply be converted into another without professional guidance. Patients should follow the exact product and instructions provided by their prescriber or pharmacist.

One of the most important facts about systemic ketorolac is that treatment is intended to remain very short. The combined duration of injectable and oral systemic therapy generally should not exceed five days in adults. This restriction exists because risks such as gastrointestinal bleeding, kidney injury, and other serious complications rise with higher doses and longer exposure. Ketorolac should therefore not be used as a routine treatment for chronic back pain, arthritis, recurring headaches, or other long-lasting conditions. If pain continues beyond the short treatment window, clinicians generally reassess the cause and select another management approach. Extending ketorolac use without medical supervision can be dangerous even if the medication seems effective.

Ketorolac tromethamine is also not intended to replace a complete evaluation of severe or unexplained pain. Pain may be a sign of infection, internal injury, kidney stones, surgical complications, inflammation, or another condition that requires targeted treatment. Taking a powerful pain medication can reduce symptoms without treating the underlying cause. For this reason, healthcare professionals often use ketorolac as one component of a broader treatment plan rather than as a standalone solution. Patients should report worsening pain, new symptoms, persistent fever, unusual bleeding, or other concerning changes while taking it. Appropriate diagnosis remains important even when pain relief is achieved.

Common Uses of Ketorolac Tromethamine

One of the most common uses of ketorolac is the management of short-term pain following surgery. Postoperative pain can be significant during the first several hours or days after a procedure, and ketorolac may provide effective relief while reducing inflammation. It can sometimes be used as part of a multimodal pain-management plan that combines different types of medication to improve comfort while limiting opioid exposure. The decision depends on the surgical procedure, bleeding risk, kidney function, and other medical considerations. Some operations carry a greater risk of bleeding, making ketorolac inappropriate in certain circumstances. Surgeons and anesthesiology teams therefore weigh both benefits and risks before prescribing it.

Ketorolac may also be used for acute musculoskeletal pain caused by injuries or inflammation. Examples may include selected cases of sprains, strains, severe back pain, or traumatic injuries where short-term anti-inflammatory pain relief is appropriate. However, not every injury requires a medication as potent as ketorolac. Mild pain may be better managed with other treatments that carry fewer risks. Clinicians also consider whether an injury involves significant bleeding because ketorolac can interfere with platelet function and increase bleeding risk. Rest, rehabilitation, physical therapy, or other treatments may still be required depending on the injury. Ketorolac primarily manages symptoms rather than repairing damaged tissue.

Dental and oral surgery pain is another situation where ketorolac may occasionally be considered. Procedures such as wisdom tooth removal or more extensive dental surgery can produce significant inflammation and pain during the early recovery period. An NSAID may be particularly useful because inflammation contributes substantially to dental pain. Nevertheless, ketorolac is usually reserved for situations in which stronger short-term pain relief is considered appropriate rather than routine mild dental discomfort. Dentists and physicians must consider bleeding risk, gastrointestinal history, kidney function, and other medications before prescribing it. Patients should follow the prescribed duration carefully and should not continue leftover tablets for future toothaches.

Emergency departments sometimes use injectable ketorolac for acute painful conditions when NSAID therapy is considered appropriate. Depending on the diagnosis, it may be used for certain severe headaches, kidney stone pain, musculoskeletal pain, or other acute conditions. The medication can be particularly valuable when clinicians want to provide effective analgesia without immediately relying on opioids. However, treatment decisions vary because different types of pain respond differently to NSAIDs. Kidney stones, for example, may respond well to anti-inflammatory treatment, but kidney function and hydration status still require consideration. Emergency clinicians evaluate the patient’s symptoms and health history before deciding whether ketorolac offers an appropriate balance of benefit and risk.

Ketorolac is generally not intended for chronic pain conditions such as long-term arthritis, fibromyalgia, persistent low back pain, or recurring migraines requiring frequent treatment. Although it may temporarily reduce pain, repeated or prolonged use can expose the patient to substantial gastrointestinal, kidney, and cardiovascular risks. Using it for minor pain or routine discomfort also provides little advantage compared with safer alternatives in many situations. Patients sometimes assume that a stronger prescription pain reliever is automatically better, but stronger medication can also mean stronger precautions. Ketorolac is most valuable when used for the right type of acute pain, at an appropriate dose, for the shortest necessary duration.

Ketorolac Tromethamine Dosage and Administration

Ketorolac dosage varies according to the route of administration, the patient’s age, kidney function, body weight, and overall medical condition. Injectable ketorolac may be given intravenously or intramuscularly in hospitals, clinics, emergency departments, or other supervised settings. Healthy adults younger than 65 may sometimes receive higher doses than older adults or people with impaired kidney function. Lower dosing is generally used for patients aged 65 or older, individuals with reduced kidney function, and adults weighing less than about 50 kilograms. These adjustments reduce the risk of excessive drug exposure and serious complications. The exact dose must be determined by the prescribing clinician rather than estimated by the patient.

For adults younger than 65 without significant kidney impairment, commonly labeled injectable regimens may include 30 mg intravenously every six hours when repeated dosing is required, with a maximum daily amount that should not be exceeded. Intramuscular dosing can differ depending on whether the medication is given as a single dose or repeated doses. Older adults, people with reduced kidney function, and those below certain body-weight thresholds generally receive lower amounts, such as 15 mg intravenously at similar intervals in some treatment plans. These figures describe common prescribing principles rather than personal dosing instructions. Hospital protocols and individual health circumstances may affect the actual regimen selected.

Oral ketorolac tablets are commonly available in 10 mg strength. In U.S. labeling, oral ketorolac generally follows initial intravenous or intramuscular therapy rather than being started as the first form of ketorolac treatment. A typical transition may involve an initial oral dose followed by smaller doses at prescribed intervals, while remaining within the maximum daily limit. The precise schedule depends on age, kidney function, previous injectable dosing, and other factors. More frequent or larger doses do not provide a proportional increase in pain relief but do increase the risk of serious side effects. Patients should never double a dose because a previous dose did not provide immediate relief.

The most important dosage rule is that systemic ketorolac therapy should generally not exceed five total days. This limit applies to the combined duration of injections and tablets rather than providing five days for each route separately. For example, someone receiving injections for two days does not ordinarily begin a separate five-day course of tablets afterward. The total systemic treatment period is counted together. Continuing beyond this limit can significantly increase the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding, kidney injury, and other complications without providing sufficient additional benefit to justify the risk. Patients whose pain persists should contact their healthcare professional rather than extending treatment independently.

Missing a prescribed ketorolac dose generally does not mean that a patient should take twice as much later. If the medication is being taken on a scheduled basis, patients should follow their clinician’s instructions or ask a pharmacist what to do when a dose is missed. Because ketorolac is intended for short-term treatment, keeping accurate track of doses and treatment days is particularly important. People should also avoid taking ibuprofen, naproxen, aspirin for pain, or another NSAID alongside ketorolac unless specifically instructed by a healthcare professional. Combining NSAIDs can significantly increase gastrointestinal and kidney risks. Medication labels should always be checked carefully when using over-the-counter cold, flu, or pain products.

How Ketorolac Works for Pain Relief

Ketorolac reduces pain primarily by inhibiting enzymes known as cyclooxygenase enzymes, often abbreviated as COX enzymes. These enzymes participate in the production of prostaglandins, chemical messengers that play an important role in pain, inflammation, fever, blood vessel function, stomach protection, and kidney circulation. When ketorolac reduces prostaglandin production, inflammatory pain signals can decrease. This mechanism makes the medication particularly useful when inflammation contributes significantly to acute pain. Unlike opioid medications, ketorolac does not work through opioid receptors in the central nervous system. It therefore has a different side-effect profile and does not carry the same opioid-related risks of respiratory depression or physical dependence.

Although reducing prostaglandins is useful for pain relief, prostaglandins also perform protective functions throughout the body. In the stomach and intestines, they help maintain the protective lining that shields tissues from digestive acids. When prostaglandin levels fall, the gastrointestinal lining becomes more vulnerable to ulcers, irritation, and bleeding. This effect helps explain why ketorolac carries stronger gastrointestinal warnings than many people expect from a non-opioid pain medication. The risk may be higher in older adults and people with a previous history of ulcers or gastrointestinal bleeding. Using the smallest effective dose for the shortest appropriate period helps limit exposure to these risks.

Prostaglandins also help maintain blood flow through the kidneys, particularly when the body is dehydrated or circulation is reduced. Blocking prostaglandin production can therefore place additional stress on the kidneys in susceptible individuals. People with existing kidney disease, significant dehydration, heart failure, or certain medication combinations may face greater risk of acute kidney injury. This is another major reason clinicians assess kidney function before or during ketorolac treatment when appropriate. Patients should report substantially reduced urination, unusual swelling, or other signs of possible kidney problems. Adequate hydration may be important, although fluid intake recommendations depend on individual medical conditions.

Ketorolac can also affect platelet function, which contributes to its bleeding risk. Platelets are blood components involved in forming clots after tissue or blood vessel injury. By interfering with platelet-related processes, ketorolac may make bleeding more likely or harder to control in certain patients. This consideration is especially important around surgery, in people with bleeding disorders, or in those taking anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications. The medication’s effect on bleeding is one reason it is not appropriate for every type of postoperative pain. Healthcare professionals consider both the need for analgesia and the consequences of impaired clotting before using it.

Pain relief from ketorolac can be substantial, but its potency should not be confused with unlimited effectiveness. Increasing the dose beyond recommended limits does not continue increasing pain relief in a safe or predictable manner. Instead, the likelihood of gastrointestinal, renal, cardiovascular, and bleeding complications rises. This concept is sometimes described as an analgesic ceiling, where additional medication produces little extra pain control while increasing adverse effects. Patients should therefore contact their healthcare professional if prescribed doses are not controlling pain sufficiently. Adjusting the overall pain-management plan is safer than independently increasing ketorolac.

Common and Serious Side Effects of Ketorolac

Common ketorolac side effects may involve the digestive system because NSAIDs influence prostaglandins that protect the stomach and intestines. Some people experience nausea, stomach discomfort, indigestion, abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, or gas. Mild headaches, dizziness, or drowsiness may also occur. These symptoms do not always mean that treatment must be stopped, but persistent or worsening problems should be reported to a healthcare professional. Patients should avoid assuming that severe stomach pain is an ordinary side effect because it can sometimes indicate an ulcer or gastrointestinal bleeding. Monitoring how symptoms change during the short course can help identify problems early.

Gastrointestinal bleeding is one of the most important serious risks associated with ketorolac. Bleeding can sometimes occur without much warning and may be more likely in older adults, people with a previous ulcer, those taking anticoagulants, and individuals using alcohol heavily or taking certain other medications. Warning signs may include vomiting blood, vomit that resembles coffee grounds, black or tarry stools, bright red blood in the stool, severe abdominal pain, weakness, or fainting. These symptoms require prompt medical attention. Gastrointestinal complications can occasionally become life-threatening, which is why ketorolac treatment duration and dosage are strictly limited.

Kidney problems are another potentially serious adverse effect. Ketorolac can reduce kidney blood flow, particularly in people who are dehydrated, have pre-existing kidney disease, take certain blood pressure medications, or have conditions that affect circulation. Signs of kidney problems may include reduced urination, swelling around the ankles or feet, unusual fatigue, shortness of breath, or unexplained weight gain caused by fluid retention. Significant kidney injury may occur without obvious early symptoms, making risk assessment important before treatment. People with advanced kidney impairment are generally not appropriate candidates for systemic ketorolac. Patients should inform their prescriber about any history of kidney disease before receiving the medication.

Like other non-aspirin NSAIDs, ketorolac may increase the risk of serious cardiovascular events such as heart attack or stroke, particularly in susceptible individuals. The risk can increase with higher doses, longer exposure, and existing cardiovascular disease, although serious events can occasionally occur without a known history. Chest pressure, sudden shortness of breath, weakness on one side of the body, difficulty speaking, or sudden severe neurological symptoms require emergency medical attention. Ketorolac is not used for pain around coronary artery bypass graft surgery because of cardiovascular and bleeding concerns. Patients should tell their clinician about previous heart attacks, strokes, high blood pressure, or other cardiovascular conditions.

Serious allergic and skin reactions are uncommon but possible. People who have previously experienced asthma attacks, hives, or severe allergic reactions after aspirin or another NSAID may be at increased risk and should disclose this history. Signs of a severe allergic reaction may include facial swelling, difficulty breathing, wheezing, widespread hives, or throat tightness. Rare serious skin reactions can involve extensive rash, blistering, peeling skin, or sores affecting the mouth or eyes. These symptoms require urgent medical evaluation. Mild rashes should also be reported because it may be difficult to determine early whether a reaction will remain mild or become more serious.

Important Warnings, Contraindications and Drug Interactions

Ketorolac should generally be avoided in people with active peptic ulcer disease, recent gastrointestinal bleeding, or a history of serious NSAID-related gastrointestinal complications. The medication may significantly increase the likelihood of another bleeding event because it reduces protective prostaglandins in the gastrointestinal tract and affects platelet function. People with advanced kidney impairment or those at high risk of kidney failure because of severe dehydration may also be unsuitable candidates. A history of severe allergic reaction to aspirin or another NSAID is another important concern. Patients should provide their full medical history before receiving ketorolac, even when treatment is expected to last only a few days.

Combining ketorolac with other NSAIDs can substantially increase adverse effects without providing enough additional benefit to justify the risk. Ibuprofen, naproxen, diclofenac, and high-dose aspirin used for pain are examples of medications that should not generally be combined with ketorolac unless a healthcare professional has specifically directed otherwise. Many over-the-counter cold, flu, menstrual, and headache products may contain NSAIDs, so patients should read ingredient labels carefully. Taking multiple brand-name medications does not necessarily mean the active ingredients are different. A pharmacist can help identify hidden NSAID duplication. Acetaminophen belongs to a different medication class, but its use alongside ketorolac should still follow professional guidance.

Blood-thinning medications require particular attention because combining them with ketorolac can increase bleeding risk. Anticoagulants and antiplatelet drugs may already reduce the body’s ability to form clots, while ketorolac can further interfere with platelet function and gastrointestinal protection. Certain antidepressants, corticosteroids, and other medications may also increase gastrointestinal bleeding risk when used with NSAIDs. Patients should provide a complete list of prescriptions, over-the-counter medicines, supplements, and herbal products before treatment. Medication interactions can occur even during a short ketorolac course. Never stop an essential anticoagulant or other prescription drug merely to make ketorolac use possible without medical guidance.

Certain medicines can interact with ketorolac through kidney function or drug elimination. Probenecid should not be used with systemic ketorolac because it can increase ketorolac concentrations and raise the risk of toxicity. Pentoxifylline is also generally avoided because the combination may increase bleeding risk. Diuretics, ACE inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers, and some other medications affecting kidney circulation may require additional caution. Lithium and methotrexate can also interact with NSAIDs in clinically important ways under certain circumstances. These examples demonstrate why medication review is important even for a drug intended to be used for only a few days.

Pregnancy requires additional consideration when NSAIDs such as ketorolac are being considered. NSAID use later in pregnancy can create important fetal risks, including effects on fetal kidney function and premature closure of a major fetal blood vessel called the ductus arteriosus. NSAIDs are generally avoided from around 20 weeks of pregnancy unless a healthcare professional determines that treatment is necessary, and they are particularly avoided later in pregnancy. Ketorolac is also generally not appropriate during labor and delivery because of bleeding and fetal circulation concerns. Pregnant individuals should never self-treat with leftover ketorolac. Breastfeeding and postpartum use should also be discussed with a healthcare professional.

How to Use Ketorolac More Safely

The safest way to use ketorolac is exactly as prescribed and for no longer than medically recommended. Patients should not increase the dose, shorten the interval between doses, or extend treatment because pain continues. If the medication does not provide adequate relief, the healthcare professional should reassess the pain-management plan rather than relying on additional ketorolac. Keeping track of the first day of injectable treatment is particularly important if oral tablets are later prescribed because the five-day systemic limit includes both forms. Medication should never be saved for future episodes without professional advice. A future episode of pain may have a completely different cause or safety profile.

Patients should carefully review all other medications they are taking during ketorolac treatment. Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or naproxen should generally be avoided because combining NSAIDs increases the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding and kidney injury. Patients who take aspirin for cardiovascular protection should tell the prescribing clinician rather than stopping aspirin on their own. Cold and flu products may contain pain relievers that are easy to overlook when checking labels. Alcohol can also irritate the stomach and may increase gastrointestinal bleeding risk, particularly when consumed heavily. Asking a pharmacist to review medications can prevent accidental duplication.

Hydration and kidney health deserve attention during treatment. Vomiting, diarrhea, inadequate fluid intake, heavy sweating, or other causes of dehydration can reduce kidney blood flow and potentially increase the risk associated with NSAIDs. People with kidney disease, heart failure, or fluid restrictions should not simply increase fluid intake without discussing it with their clinician because their needs may be different. Monitoring urine output and swelling can provide useful clues when kidney problems develop. Patients should contact a healthcare professional if urination decreases substantially or sudden swelling occurs. Kidney safety is especially important in older adults and people taking medications that affect kidney circulation.

Paying attention to gastrointestinal warning signs can also help identify serious complications early. Mild indigestion may occur, but black stools, vomiting blood, severe stomach pain, fainting, or unusual weakness should never be dismissed. Taking ketorolac with food may reduce minor stomach discomfort for some people, but food does not eliminate the risk of ulcers or gastrointestinal bleeding. People should therefore not assume that eating before each dose makes prolonged use safe. The maximum recommended duration remains important regardless of whether stomach symptoms are present. Serious gastrointestinal injury can occasionally occur with little warning.

Finally, patients should understand when emergency care is appropriate. Chest pain, severe shortness of breath, facial swelling, difficulty breathing, sudden weakness, severe allergic symptoms, vomiting blood, black stools, or signs of stroke require urgent evaluation. Significant reduction in urine output or rapidly developing swelling may also signal a serious problem requiring prompt medical attention. Mild symptoms can often be discussed with a pharmacist or prescribing clinician, but rapidly worsening or severe symptoms should not wait for a routine appointment. Ketorolac can be highly useful when used correctly, yet its safety depends on respecting its limitations. Awareness allows patients to benefit from pain relief while reducing avoidable risks.

Conclusion

Ketorolac tromethamine is a powerful prescription NSAID designed for the short-term treatment of moderately severe acute pain. It can provide substantial pain relief after surgery, injuries, dental procedures, and other selected acute conditions without functioning as an opioid medication. Its effectiveness comes from reducing prostaglandins involved in pain and inflammation. However, those same prostaglandins also help protect the stomach, kidneys, and other body systems. This explains why ketorolac has stricter safety limitations than many people expect from a non-opioid pain reliever. The medication should therefore be viewed as a targeted short-term treatment rather than a general painkiller for frequent use.

Dosage depends on factors including age, body weight, kidney function, route of administration, and previous doses. Older adults, people with reduced kidney function, and individuals below certain weight thresholds generally require lower doses. Oral ketorolac is commonly used as continuation therapy after injectable treatment rather than as an initial treatment in U.S. prescribing practice. Most importantly, systemic therapy is generally limited to a combined maximum of five days. Taking higher doses or extending treatment does not provide proportionally greater pain relief. Instead, it substantially increases the likelihood of gastrointestinal, renal, bleeding, and cardiovascular complications.

Common ketorolac side effects may include nausea, indigestion, stomach discomfort, dizziness, headache, and changes in bowel habits. More serious reactions include gastrointestinal bleeding, kidney injury, severe allergic reactions, cardiovascular events, and serious skin reactions. Warning signs such as black stools, vomiting blood, chest pain, difficulty breathing, sudden neurological symptoms, or substantially reduced urination require prompt medical attention. Patients should never assume severe symptoms are simply an expected part of treatment. Early recognition of complications can make a significant difference in outcomes. Knowing these warning signs is an important part of using the medication responsibly.

Drug interactions are another major safety consideration. Ketorolac should generally not be combined with other NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, naproxen, or additional pain-relieving doses of aspirin. Blood thinners, certain antidepressants, corticosteroids, kidney-related medications, lithium, methotrexate, probenecid, and other drugs may also create important interactions. Patients should provide healthcare professionals with a complete medication and supplement list before treatment begins. Pregnancy, kidney disease, ulcer history, cardiovascular disease, asthma related to NSAIDs, and bleeding disorders also require special consideration. Individual health history can significantly change whether ketorolac is an appropriate choice.

When prescribed appropriately, ketorolac can be an effective part of short-term acute pain management. The key to using it safely is respecting the prescribed dose, limiting treatment duration, avoiding conflicting medications, and watching for serious side effects. People should not self-medicate with leftover tablets or use ketorolac for recurring chronic pain without medical supervision. Persistent pain deserves reassessment so that the underlying cause and a safer longer-term treatment plan can be identified. Patients who have questions about their particular ketorolac dose should speak with their prescriber or pharmacist. Personalized medical guidance is especially important with a medication that has strict dosing and duration limits.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is ketorolac tromethamine used for?

Ketorolac tromethamine is primarily used for the short-term treatment of moderately severe acute pain, including selected postoperative, dental, injury-related, or emergency pain. It is generally not intended for mild discomfort or chronic pain management.

How long can you take ketorolac?

Systemic ketorolac treatment is generally limited to a total of five days, including both injections and oral tablets. Extending treatment beyond the recommended period can substantially increase the risk of stomach bleeding, kidney injury, and other complications.

Can I take ibuprofen or naproxen with ketorolac?

Ketorolac generally should not be combined with other NSAIDs such as ibuprofen or naproxen because doing so can increase gastrointestinal bleeding and kidney risks. Ask a healthcare professional or pharmacist before combining ketorolac with any pain medication.

What are the most common side effects of ketorolac?

Common side effects can include nausea, indigestion, stomach discomfort, headache, dizziness, diarrhea, constipation, or drowsiness. Serious symptoms such as black stools, vomiting blood, severe abdominal pain, chest pain, difficulty breathing, or reduced urination require prompt medical care.

Is ketorolac stronger than ibuprofen?

Ketorolac is often used for more significant short-term acute pain and is considered a potent prescription NSAID, but “stronger” does not necessarily mean better or safer. Its higher-risk profile and strict treatment-duration limits mean it should be used only when a healthcare professional determines that the benefits outweigh the risks.