Ibuprofen vs Ketorolac: Which Painkiller Works Better and When?

When you need fast pain relief, ibuprofen, a common over-the-counter NSAID used for headaches, muscle aches, and arthritis pain. Also known as Advil or Motrin, it’s one of the most widely used painkillers in the world. But when your pain is sharper, deeper, or doesn’t quit after a few days, your doctor might reach for ketorolac, a stronger prescription NSAID designed for short-term use after surgery or serious injury. It’s not something you buy off the shelf—this is a tool for when ibuprofen just isn’t enough. Both are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, but they’re not interchangeable. One is your go-to for a bad back or menstrual cramps. The other is a hospital-grade option with real risks if misused.

Here’s the simple truth: ibuprofen is safe for daily use at low doses for most people. You can take it for weeks if needed, as long as you don’t have kidney issues or a stomach ulcer. ketorolac, on the other hand, is meant for no more than five days total. It packs a heavier punch—up to 10 times stronger than ibuprofen in reducing inflammation—but it also hits your stomach, kidneys, and blood clotting harder. Studies show ketorolac raises the risk of bleeding and kidney damage faster than ibuprofen, especially in older adults or people on other meds. That’s why you won’t find it in your medicine cabinet. It’s prescribed for acute pain, like after a dental extraction or a sports injury, not for chronic back pain or daily headaches.

Both drugs reduce swelling and block pain signals, but they do it differently. Ibuprofen works gently across the body. Ketorolac zeroes in on inflammation at the source, which is why it’s so effective in ERs and clinics. But that power comes with a price. If you’ve ever been told to avoid NSAIDs because of high blood pressure or stomach problems, ketorolac is even riskier than ibuprofen. And mixing either with alcohol or blood thinners? That’s a bad idea—especially with ketorolac.

What you’ll find below are real comparisons from people who’ve used both. Some switched from ibuprofen to ketorolac after surgery. Others tried ketorolac for severe migraines and regretted it. You’ll see how dosage, timing, and personal health history change everything. No fluff. No marketing. Just what works, what doesn’t, and who should avoid each one.