Generic Ketorolac

Common use

Ketorolac belongs to the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Ketorolac is used to treat moderate to severe pain, usually after surgery. It works by reducing hormones that cause inflammation and pain in the body. It is used alone or in combination with other medicines. Usually treating with this drug continue for short-term (5 days or less).



Dosage and direction

Take Ketorolac exactly as it was prescribed by your doctor. Do not take the medication in larger doses, or take it for long time. Follow the directions on your prescription schedule and the instructions of your doctor. This medication is not used for treating minor aches and pains. Usually the first time Ketorolac is given as an injection, and then as an oral (by mouth) medicine. Ketorolac injection is given through a needle into a muscle or a vein. The tablet should be taken with a full glass of water. Ketorolac is normally given for 5 days or less (the injection and oral forms combined). Long-term of using of Ketorolac can damage your kidneys or cause bleeding. If you need to have any type of surgery, inform the surgeon if you have recently used this medication.



Precautions

Ketorolac can cause problems with life-threatening heart or circulation such as heart attack or stroke if you take this drug for long time. Do not drink alcohol while taking Ketorolac because it can increase the risk of stomach bleeding. Before taking Ketorolac, tell your doctor about all products you are allergic to and your medical history of heart attack, stroke, or blood clot; heart disease, congestive heart failure, high blood pressure; liver or kidney disease, ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease; asthma; polyps in your nose; if you have recently had surgery; or if you smoke. Do not take any other over-the-counter cold, allergy, or pain medication by yourself without first asking your doctor or pharmacist.



Contraindications

Do not use this medicine just before or after having heart bypass surgery (also called coronary artery bypass graft, or CABG). If you have symptoms of problems with heart or circulation, such as chest pain, weakness, shortness of breath, slurred speech, or problems with vision or balance you need immediately emergency medical help. Do not use Ketorolac if you have allergy to ketorolac, aspirin. Also do not take Ketorolac if you have some of next conditions like severe kidney disease; a bleeding or blood clotting disorder; a closed head injury or bleeding in your brain; a stomach ulcer or a history of stomach or intestinal bleeding; or if you are breast-feeding a baby.



Possible side effects

Ketorolac has serious effects on the stomach or intestines, including bleeding or perforation (forming of a hole). Such as these conditions can be fatal and they can occur without warning at any time while you are taking Ketorolac you have to call to your doctor when you feel first signes of side effect include black, bloody, or tarry stools, or coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds.



Drug interactions

Do not take Ketorolac if you are also taking drugs like pentoxifylline or probenecid. There are interactions of this medicine with such drugs as aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, diclofenac, etc. If you take those products together you may accidentally take too much of this type of medication and it will cause overdose.



Missed dose

If you are taking the medication regularly, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at your next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.



Overdose

If you think you have taken bigger dose of this medicine than it needs you need emergency medical attention. Overdose symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, drowsiness, black or bloody stools, coughing up blood, urinating less than usual, shallow breathing, and fainting.



Storage

Store the tablets at room temperature away from moisture and heat.



Disclaimer

We provide only general information about medications which does not cover all directions, possible drug integrations, or precautions. Information at the site cannot be used for self-treatment and self-diagnosis. Any specific instructions for a particular patient should be agreed with your health care adviser or doctor in charge of the case. We disclaim reliability of this information and mistakes it could contain. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other indirect damage as a result of any use of the information on this site and also for consequences of self-treatment.

Clinical Verification

Last Clinically Updated: August 15, 2026

Written By

Dr. Elena Vance, PharmD

Clinical Specialist in Neuropharmacology

Fact Checked By

Marcus Thorne, MS

Biomedical Data & FDA Label Verification

Medically Reviewed By

Dr. Arthur Campbell, MD

Board-Certified Psychiatrist (ABPN)