Ketorolac Guide

One of the most powerful non-opioid pain relievers available — but it's meant for short use. If you or a loved one get a dose after surgery or for severe acute pain, you should know why doctors limit its use and what to watch for.

What ketorolac does and when it’s used. Ketorolac is an NSAID that blocks pain and inflammation by stopping prostaglandin production. Clinicians commonly use it for moderate to severe pain after surgery, dental procedures, or kidney stone episodes. It works fast, often within thirty to sixty minutes after an oral dose and sooner by injection.

How to take it safely

Dosage depends on the form. For adults, oral tablets are usually forty milligrams as a single dose or ten to twenty milligrams every four to six hours, not exceeding a daily limit. Injectable doses are set by clinicians and often replaced by oral doses when possible. Important rule: never use ketorolac for more than five days total. Longer use raises serious risks like stomach bleeding and kidney damage.

Do not use ketorolac if you have active peptic ulcer disease, a history of gastrointestinal bleeding, severe kidney disease, or if you are taking blood thinners. Avoid it late in pregnancy — especially the third trimester — because it can harm the fetus and complicate delivery. Older adults need lower doses and closer monitoring.

Common side effects and warning signs

Mild side effects include stomach pain, nausea, dizziness, and headache. Serious warning signs that need immediate medical attention include black or tarry stools, coughing up blood, sudden swelling, shortness of breath, and little or no urine output. If you notice a sudden drop in energy or a rash, stop the drug and seek care.

Potential drug interactions matter. Ketorolac can increase bleeding when combined with anticoagulants like warfarin or with SSRIs. It can blunt the effect of some blood pressure medicines and raise levels of drugs such as lithium and methotrexate. Tell your clinician about all prescription pills, over-the-counter meds, and supplements before using ketorolac.

Ketorolac is prescription-only in most countries. Don’t buy it from online sellers that offer it without a prescription. If ordering online, choose a pharmacy with a clear license, verifiable contact details, secure checkout, and customer reviews. Cheap or anonymous suppliers increase the risk of counterfeit or expired products.

Look for trusted resources on post-op pain control, NSAID safety, and kidney protection. Talk to your surgeon, dentist, or pharmacist if you have questions about switching from injectable to oral therapy, how long to take the drug, or how to manage side effects at home. Knowing the limits of ketorolac keeps you safer and helps pain get under control.

Example: after wisdom tooth removal, many surgeons give one or two injectable doses in recovery and then switch to short oral ketorolac plus acetaminophen. If you smell burning or have severe stomach pain, stop the drug and call your provider. Keep hydrated, avoid alcohol, and use the lowest effective dose. Always ask questions early.