Drug reference
ketorolac
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Drug class
Musculoskeletal (NSAIDs)
Mechanism of action
nhibits synthesis of prostaglandins in body tissues by inhibiting at least 2 cyclo-oxygenase (COX) isoenzymes, COX-1 and COX-2. May inhibit chemotaxis, alter lymphocyte activity, decrease proinflammatory cytokine activity, and inhibit neutrophil aggregation; these effects may contribute to anti-inflammatory activity
Common side effects
- Dyspepsia
- Somnolence
- Headache
- Nausea
- GI Pain
- Transient ocular burning/stinging
Contraindications
- Duration of therapy >5 days Not for chronic or minor pain
- Demonstrated hypersensitivity to ketorolac or allergic manifestations to aspirin or other NSAIDs; appropriate counteractive measures must be available when first ketorolac injection is given
- Major surgery: Contraindicated for prophylactic analgesia; contraindicated for treatment of perioperative pain in setting of CABG surgery
- OB/GYN: Contraindicated during labor and delivery because it may adversely affect fetal circulation and inhibit uterine contractions; contraindicated in breastfeeding women because of potential adverse effects of prostaglandin-inhibiting drugs on neonates
- Renal: Contraindicated with advanced renal impairment and in patients at risk for renal failure due to volume depletion
Known interactions (11)
- aceclofenac + ketorolac Contraindicated
- acetylsalicylic acid + ketorolac Contraindicated
- celecoxib + ketorolac Contraindicated
- diclofenac + ketorolac Contraindicated
- diflunisal + ketorolac Contraindicated
- etodolac + ketorolac Contraindicated
- fenoprofen + ketorolac Contraindicated
- flurbiprofen + ketorolac Contraindicated
- Ibuprofen + ketorolac Contraindicated
- indomethacin + ketorolac Contraindicated
- Dexamethasone + ketorolac Major
Related conditions
Frequently asked questions
What drug class is ketorolac?
ketorolac belongs to: Musculoskeletal.
How does ketorolac work?
nhibits synthesis of prostaglandins in body tissues by inhibiting at least 2 cyclo-oxygenase (COX) isoenzymes, COX-1 and COX-2. May inhibit chemotaxis, alter lymphocyte activity, decrease proinflammatory cytokine activity, and inhibit neutrophil aggregation; these effects may contribute to anti-inflammatory activity
What are the common side effects of ketorolac?
Dyspepsia, Somnolence, Headache, Nausea, GI Pain, Transient ocular burning/stinging
Which drugs interact with ketorolac?
aceclofenac, acetylsalicylic acid, celecoxib, diclofenac, diflunisal, etodolac, fenoprofen, flurbiprofen, Ibuprofen, indomethacin, Dexamethasone
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