Generic Ketorolac

Introduction

Ketorolac is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) formulated as a 10 mg oral tablet. It belongs to the pyrrolizine class of NSAIDs and is primarily indicated for short-term management of moderate to severe acute pain that requires analgesia at the opioid level but where opioid therapy is not appropriate. The medication is marketed worldwide by several manufacturers and is available in a generic pill form that can be purchased through our online pharmacy.

What is Ketorolac?

Ketorolac is the generic version of well-known NSAIDs that contain the active compound ketorolac tromethamine. Our online pharmacy provides this generic alternative as a cost-effective treatment option. Developed in the s and approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 199, ketorolac is supplied by multiple licensed pharmaceutical companies. The drug is supplied in 10 mg oral tablets, which are the most common dosage form for short-term pain control in adults.

How Ketorolac Works

Ketorolac inhibits cyclo-oxygenase (COX-1 and COX-2) enzymes, which are essential for the conversion of arachidonic acid to prostaglandins. Prostaglandins mediate inflammation, fever, and the perception of pain. By reducing prostaglandin synthesis, ketorolac diminishes peripheral sensitisation of nociceptors and attenuates central pain signaling. Clinical studies show an onset of analgesia within 30-60 minutes after oral administration, with a peak effect at roughly 2 hours and a duration of action of 4-6 hours. The drug is mainly eliminated unchanged by the kidneys; renal clearance accounts for about 80 % of total elimination, giving a plasma half-life of 5-6 hours in healthy adults.

Conditions Treated with Ketorolac

• Short-term acute pain (e.g., postoperative pain, dental extraction, musculoskeletal injury). Ketorolac provides opioid-level analgesia without the risk of respiratory depression associated with narcotics.
• Management of severe pain after minor surgical procedures where the anticipated duration of pain is less than five days. The drug’s potent anti-inflammatory action reduces swelling and related discomfort.

Ketorolac is approved only for a maximum of five consecutive days of therapy because of its well-documented risk profile when used longer.

Off-Label and Investigational Uses of Ketorolac

• Renal colic - Small case series suggest that ketorolac may relieve spasm and pain from ureteral stones, although this indication is not FDA-approved.
• Migraine attacks - Some neurologists employ oral ketorolac as an adjunctive treatment when triptans are ineffective, based on its ability to block prostaglandin-mediated vasodilation.
• Post-operative nausea prevention - Limited data indicate that NSAIDs, including ketorolac, might reduce opioid-induced nausea by allowing lower opioid doses.

These uses are not officially sanctioned by regulatory agencies. Patients should discuss any off-label consideration with a qualified healthcare professional before initiating therapy.

Is Ketorolac the Right Medication for You?

Ketorolac is most suitable for adults who need rapid, strong pain relief for a brief period (≤5 days) and who have no contraindications to NSAIDs. Ideal candidates include:

• Patients recovering from minor to moderate surgical procedures.
• Individuals with acute musculoskeletal injuries where inflammation contributes to pain.

Ketorolac should be avoided in:

• Patients with a history of peptic ulcer disease, gastrointestinal bleeding, or perforation.
• Those with severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance < 30 mL/min).
• Pregnant women in the third trimester, because NSAIDs can cause premature closure of the fetal ductus arteriosus.

Clinicians often select ketorolac when opioid avoidance is a priority and when the patient can be monitored for renal and gastrointestinal safety.

Risks, Side Effects, and Interactions

Common

• Dyspepsia or stomach discomfort
• Headache
• Dizziness or light-headedness
• Mild elevation of serum creatinine

Rare

• Skin rash or pruritus
• Mild elevation of liver enzymes (ALT/AST)
• Peripheral edema

Serious

• Gastrointestinal ulceration, perforation, or bleeding
• Acute renal failure, especially in dehydrated patients or those with pre-existing kidney disease
• Cardiovascular thrombotic events (myocardial infarction, stroke) in high-risk individuals
• Severe hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis

Drug-Drug Interactions

• Anticoagulants (warfarin, direct oral anticoagulants) - additive bleeding risk.
• Other NSAIDs or aspirin - increased gastrointestinal toxicity.
• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and SNRIs - heightened risk of bleeding.
• Lithium - NSAIDs may raise lithium plasma concentrations.

Drug-Food Interactions

• Alcohol intensifies gastrointestinal irritation and bleeding risk; patients should limit intake while using ketorolac.

Patients should promptly report any signs of gastrointestinal bleeding (e.g., black stools, vomiting blood), sudden decrease in urine output, or unexplained swelling.

Use: Dosing, Missed Dose, Overdose

• Standard dosing: 10 mg oral tablet every 6 hours as needed, not to exceed 40 mg per day. The total duration of therapy should not exceed five consecutive days.
• Missed dose: If a scheduled dose is forgotten and the next dosing time is less than 4 hours away, skip the missed dose and resume the regular schedule. Do not double-dose.
• Overdose: Symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, severe abdominal pain, and renal dysfunction. Seek emergency medical care immediately; treatment is primarily supportive with gastric lavage and monitoring of renal function.

Practical precautions

• Take tablets with food or a full glass of water to minimise stomach irritation.
• Avoid concomitant alcohol consumption.
• Do not operate heavy machinery or drive until you know how ketorolac affects you, especially if dizziness occurs.

FAQ

• Can I take ketorolac while breastfeeding? Ketorolac is excreted in breast milk in small amounts. While occasional use is unlikely to harm a nursing infant, clinicians usually recommend alternative analgesics for lactating mothers unless the benefit outweighs the potential risk.

• How should I store my ketorolac tablets? Store at room temperature (20-25 °C/68-77 °F) away from moisture and direct sunlight. Keep the container tightly closed and out of reach of children.

• Will ketorolac affect my blood pressure? NSAIDs can cause fluid retention and may raise blood pressure, particularly in patients with pre-existing hypertension. Regular monitoring is advised if you have high blood pressure.

• Is ketorolac safe for people with asthma? Some asthma patients experience worsening bronchospasm with NSAIDs. If you have aspirin-sensitive asthma, avoid ketorolac and discuss alternative pain relievers with your clinician.

• Can I travel internationally with ketorolac tablets? Ketorolac is a prescription-required medication in many countries. Carry the medication in its original packaging with a copy of the prescription or a physician’s note to avoid customs complications.

• What inactive ingredients are in the 10 mg tablet? Typical formulations contain lactose, microcrystalline cellulose, magnesium stearate, and a film-coat polymer. Patients with severe lactose intolerance should verify the specific excipients with the manufacturer.

• Does ketorolac interact with hormonal contraceptives? Current evidence does not indicate a clinically significant interaction between ketorolac and combined oral contraceptives. However, NSAIDs can increase menstrual bleeding in some women.

• How long does it take for kidney function to return after stopping ketorolac? In most patients with reversible NSAID-induced renal impairment, creatinine levels normalize within a few days after discontinuation. Persistent dysfunction warrants nephrology evaluation.

• Will ketorolac show up on a standard drug test? Ketorolac is not part of routine employment drug-screening panels. Specialized testing would be required, which is uncommon outside of clinical research settings.

• Can I use ketorolac for chronic back pain? Ketorolac is approved only for short-term use (≤5 days). Chronic back pain typically requires longer-acting or non-NSAID strategies; prolonged ketorolac therapy increases the risk of serious adverse events.

Glossary

Cyclo-oxygenase (COX)

An enzyme family (COX-1 and COX-2) that converts arachidonic acid into prostaglandins, which mediate inflammation and pain.

Prostaglandin

Lipid compounds that act locally to promote inflammation, fever, and pain; they are the primary targets of NSAIDs.

Renal clearance

The volume of plasma from which a substance is completely removed by the kidneys per unit time; for ketorolac, this is the dominant elimination pathway.

Half-life

The time required for the plasma concentration of a drug to decrease by 50 %; ketorolac’s half-life is about 5-6 hours in healthy adults.

Buying Ketorolac from Our Online pharmacy

Ketorolac tablets can be obtained conveniently through our online pharmacy. We source the medication from licensed, verified manufacturers, which allows us to offer the generic product at a price close to the original production cost.

• Affordability - By eliminating middle-man mark-ups, we keep the cost of each 10 mg tablet low, making short-term pain management financially accessible.
• Verified quality - All batches are inspected for potency and purity, ensuring that you receive a safe, effective product that meets international pharmacopeial standards.
• Discreet delivery - Orders are packaged in unmarked, secure parcels and shipped through reliable carriers (express delivery typically within 7 days, standard airmail in about 3 weeks).
• Global reach - Our pharmacy broker service works with overseas licensed pharmacies, providing access for patients who may face shortages or insurance limitations in their home country.

Choosing our service means you benefit from a trustworthy partner that prioritises privacy, product integrity, and reliable access to the medication you need.

Disclaimer

The information presented about Ketorolac is intended for general educational purposes and does not replace personalized medical advice. Treatment choices, including any off-label applications, must be made under the direct supervision of a qualified healthcare professional. Readers are assumed to be competent adults capable of making informed health decisions. Our online pharmacy supplies Ketorolac for individuals who encounter limited availability through conventional pharmacies or who seek cost-effective generic options. Always consult a qualified clinician before initiating, modifying, or stopping any medication.