Ketorolac: Uses, Safety and Drug Interactions

Ketorolac: uses, safety and drug interactions

Overview: Ketorolac is a prescription NSAID used for short-term, moderately severe acute pain. This page describes United States oral ketorolac tromethamine tablets. It does not describe eye drops, nasal spray or a self-started course of tablets for routine aches. The exact product and route matter when reading safety information.

Uses and formulation: The United States oral label permits tablets only as continuation after intravenous or intramuscular ketorolac, when continued treatment is necessary. Oral tablets are not the initial ketorolac treatment. The combined duration of injections and tablets must not exceed five days in adults. These tablets are not indicated for minor or chronic pain or for children; the prescriber selects an alternative when appropriate.

Safety: Important restrictions include previous peptic ulcer or gastrointestinal bleeding, advanced kidney impairment, major bleeding risk, aspirin-related allergic reactions, coronary bypass surgery, and labour or delivery. Stomach bleeding, kidney injury, heart attack, stroke and serious skin reactions may occur even during a short course. Black stools, bloody vomit, chest pain, sudden neurological symptoms, facial swelling or reduced urine output need prompt medical assessment. Pregnancy and breastfeeding require individual review.

Drug interactions: Concurrent aspirin, other NSAIDs, probenecid or pentoxifylline are contraindicated in this oral label. Anticoagulants and medicines that affect platelets require particularly careful assessment. SSRIs, SNRIs, corticosteroids, ACE inhibitors, ARBs, diuretics, lithium, methotrexate and transplant medicines can create additional concerns. Do not stop an anticoagulant yourself to take ketorolac; contact the treating clinician.

Sources

• Ketorolac — Ketorolac tromethamine oral tablet, ABD DailyMed güncellemesi 22.10.2026
• WHO Collaborating Centre ATC/DDD Index 2026 — ketorolac
• Prograf 1 mg, UK SmPC 11.03.2026, 4.5
• Neoral kapsül, UK SmPC 25.02.2026, 4.5
• Inspra 25 mg, UK SmPC 01/2026, 4.5

This page provides an English summary of the cited sources. Source check: 30 October 2026. This date records a source check, not a clinical review by a doctor or pharmacist. Follow the current leaflet for your product and seek professional advice for personal treatment.