May 6, 2023
Trazodone and Parkinson's Disease: Can It Help with Sleep Issues?
Ketorolac is a strong nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) doctors use mainly for short-term moderate to severe pain. You’ll see it given as an injection in hospitals, as an oral tablet, and as eye drops for post‑op eye pain. It works fast and can be very useful, but it’s not a long-term choice because of safety limits.
Ketorolac is commonly used after surgery, for bad dental pain, or when other painkillers aren’t enough. If you’ve had a short, intense episode of pain, a single dose or a short course can cut pain and reduce the need for opioids. Eye doctors use ketorolac drops to reduce inflammation and pain after eye procedures.
Important: ketorolac is usually prescribed for short courses only — many guidelines limit use to a few days. That short duration helps lower the chance of serious side effects. Always follow the exact plan your clinician gives you.
Ketorolac raises the risk of bleeding, especially in the stomach or intestines. If you have a history of peptic ulcers, recent gastrointestinal bleeding, or are on blood thinners, ketorolac is usually not a safe choice. It can also harm kidney function, so people with existing kidney disease or those who are dehydrated should avoid it.
Other red flags: allergic reactions to NSAIDs (including aspirin), late pregnancy (it can affect the baby’s heart), and certain surgeries where bleeding risk is high. Mixing ketorolac with other NSAIDs or high-dose aspirin gives no extra benefit but increases harm. Tell your prescriber about blood pressure meds, diuretics, or ACE inhibitors — these combinations can affect the kidneys.
Watch for warning signs while taking ketorolac: black or bloody stools, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, sudden shortness of breath, chest pain, swelling, or a severe rash. If any of those happen, get medical help right away.
Practical tips: use the lowest effective dose for the shortest time possible. If you’re given an injectable dose in the hospital, confirm whether you should switch to oral pills at home and how long that should last. For eye drops, follow the exact schedule from your eye doctor and don’t use them longer than advised.
Want to know if ketorolac is right for you? Ask your doctor or pharmacist about your specific health history, other meds you take, and safer alternatives if you have risk factors. If you’re ever unsure, reach out — a quick call can prevent a lot of trouble.
In my latest blog post, I've delved into the topic of Ketorolac withdrawal, discussing its symptoms and management strategies. This medication, which is typically used for short-term pain management, can cause withdrawal symptoms such as nausea, sweating, and restlessness if stopped abruptly. It's crucial to not discontinue its use without medical guidance. When coming off Ketorolac, a gradual, monitored reduction is usually the safest approach. I've also shared some helpful tips to manage these withdrawal symptoms, including staying hydrated and seeking emotional support.
