Toradol

1 What is Toradol?

Brand: Toradol, Toradol IVIM

Generic: Ketorolac

Toradol is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that treats inflammation and pain in the body. Doctors prescribe Ketorolac tablets as a short-term pain reliever for moderate to severe pain. Ketorolac tablets are usually prescribed to treat pain after surgery. Ketorolac can be used alone or with other medicines.

Ketorolac works by reducing substances in the bloodstream that causes pain and inflammation. 

You need a prescription in purchasing Ketorolac tablets.

Use of Ketorolac is associated with risks of heart problems, stroke or bleeding in the digestive tract. These risks can occur anytime during treatment and often without warning. Only use Ketorolac according to doctor’s prescription.

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2 What to Know Before Using

Your doctor will inform you of what you need to know before using Toradol. You cannot use Ketorolac if you are allergic to it. If you experienced allergies to Ketorolac before, tell it to your doctor right away. 

Tell your doctor if you experience asthma, severe allergic reactions (hives, itching, difficulty breathing and swelling) to an Aspirin and other NSAIDs like Naproxen and Ibuprofen. If you experience these health problems with these NSAID drugs, Ketorolac is not suitable for you.

  • You cannot use Ketorolac tablets if you had or scheduled to have major procedures such as coronary artery bypass graft (CABG).
  • You cannot use Ketorolac if you have the following health problems:
  • If you are in the last 3 months of pregnancy or in labor
  • Have severe kidney problems
  • Liver problems
  • At risk of dehydration or hypovolemia (too low volume of the blood)
  • Have history of stomach or intestinal ulcers, bleeding or perforation
  • Stroke or bleeding in the head
  • At risk of bleeding or have bleeding problems such as hemophilia and platelet disorders 
  • If you will undergo any major surgery

Ketorolac tablets are not approved for use in patients younger than 17 years of age. Ketorolac must be used very carefully in elderly. 

Tell the doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding before receiving Ketorolac tablets. Ketorolac can cause harm to the unborn baby when taken during pregnancy. Ketorolac may also be expressed in breast milk, so do not nurse when taking the medication. 

Ketorolac can interact with many medicines, so tell the doctor all the medications you take. You need to mention all prescription medicines, over-the-counter drugs, and herbal substances before receiving Ketorolac tablets. 

Do not take Toradol if you are prescribed with the following medicines:

  • Pentoxifylline
  • Probenecid
  • Aspirin
  • Other NSAIDs like Ibuprofen, Acetaminophen, and Naproxen
  • Medicines that inhibit blood clotting such as Warfarin

Tell the doctor if you take the following medicines, which may require dose adjustments when taken with Toradol tablets:

  • Clopidogrel Corticosteroids like Prednisone and Prednisolone
  • Heparin
  • Dalteparin
  • Antidepressants such as Fluoxetine
  • Cyclosporine and other immunosuppressants
  • Metformin
  • Methotrexate
  • Ciprofloxacin and other antibiotics
  • Medicines for the heart such as ACE inhibitors
  • Water pills such as Furosemide and Hydrochlorothiazide

3 Proper Usage

To use Toradol properly, you must follow all instructions given by your doctor. Toradol tablets are taken by mouth. Toradol comes with an information sheet.

Make sure to read and understand information on this information sheet before taking Toradol. If you have questions, ask them to your doctor or pharmacist.

Take Toradol tablets as prescribed by the doctor. Usually, Toradol tablets are taken only for severe pain and it is taken every 4 to 6 hours.

It is preferable to take Toradol tablets with food to reduce stomach upset. Note that taking Toradol with food may not reduce the risk of stomach bleeding.

If you experienced persistent stomach upset while receiving Toradol tablets, call your doctor right away. Toradol tablets must be used for 5 days only. Discard any leftover medication properly. 

If you missed a dose of Toradol, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to original dosing. Do not take two doses of Toradol tablets at once to make up for the missed dose.

4 Precautions to Take

Before using Toradol, there are some precautions you must take. Do not use Toradol tablets for more than 5 days, unless instructed by the doctor. Doing so can greatly increase the risk of side effects. 

Toradol tablets can cause drowsiness or dizziness. Do not drive or perform dangerous activities after taking Toradol tablets. 

Toradol may cause stomach ulcers and bleeding, especially when taken in high doses or for too long periods. Smoking and taking alcohol can also increase these risks.

Call your doctor if you experienced severe stomach pain, passed out black, tarry stools, or vomited material that looks like coffee grounds, or if you have unusual weight gain or swelling. 

Do not use other medicines while taking Ketorolac tablets unless approved by your doctor. Common over-the-counter medications often contain NSAIDs like Ibuprofen and Acetaminophen, which can interact with Toradol.

While you are receiving Toradol tablets, the doctor will schedule you to frequent clinic visits and lab tests. Keep up with the appointments to monitor your condition and detect early signs of side effects. 

If you became pregnant or breastfeed while receiving Toradol tablets, call your doctor right away.

5 Potential Side Effects

As with many medications, there are several potential side effects associated with Toradol.

Call your doctor if you experience these side effects while receiving Toradol tablets:

  • Severe allergic reaction symptoms such as rash, hives, itching, difficulty breathing, swelling of the lips, mouth, nose or tongue
  • Stomach bleeding symptoms such as vomiting material that look like coffee grounds passing out black or tarry stools, severe stomach pain and weight gain
  • Infection symptoms such as fever, chills, and persistent sore throat 
  • Stroke symptoms such as numbness in an arm or leg and weakness at one side of the body
  • Severe skin reaction such as redness, swelling, blistering or peeling of skin
  • Seizures
  • Severe and persistent stomach pain
  • Severe nausea
  • Shortness of breath
  • Sudden or unexplained weight gain
  • Swelling of the hands, feet or legs
  • Unusual bleeding or bruising
  • Severe headache 
  • Severe dizziness
  • Hallucinations
  • Changes in thinking or mood
  • Mouth sores
  • Bloody or cloudy urine
  • Changes in urine
  • Trouble or difficulty urinating
  • Chest pain
  • Unusual joint or muscle pain
  • Severe tiredness
  • Changes in vision and speech
  • Jaundice

Toradol tablets may cause minor side effects:

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