Ketorolac (By mouth)

Ketorolac Tromethamine (kee-toe-ROLE-ak troe-METH-a-meen)

Treats severe pain. This medicine is an NSAID.

Brand Name(s):

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction (including asthma) to ketorolac, aspirin, or other NSAID medicines such as Aleve®, Celebrex®, Indocin®, Motrin®, or Naprosyn®. You should not use this medicine if you have a stomach ulcer, a bleeding disorder, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Do not take this medicine if you have advanced kidney disease. Do not use this medicine right before or right after having coronary artery bypass graft (CABG), a type of heart surgery. You should not take this medicine if you are using probenecid (Probalan®).

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet

Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
Take your tablets with a full glass of water.
You may take this medicine with food or milk so it does not upset your stomach.
Use this medicine for the shortest time possible, never more than 5 days, and in the smallest dose possible. This will help lower the risk of side effects.
This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.

If a dose is missed:

Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Do not use any other NSAID medicine unless your doctor says it is okay. Some other NSAIDs are aspirin, diclofenac, ibuprofen, naproxen, Advil®, Aleve®, Celebrex®, Ecotrin®, Motrin®, or Voltaren®.
Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using aspirin, a blood thinner (such as warfarin, Coumadin®), or a steroid medicine (such as cortisone, dexamethasone, hydrocortisone, methylprednisolone, prednisolone, prednisone, or Orapred®). Tell your doctor if you are using methotrexate (Trexall®), or a diuretic or "water pill" (such as furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide [HCTZ], torsemide, Demadex®, or Lasix®).
Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using fluoxetine, heparin, lithium, thiothixene, Eskalith®, Navane®, or Prozac®. Tell your doctor if you are using a blood pressure medicine (such as enalapril, lisinopril, Accupril®, Lotensin®, Lotrel®, Monopril®, Prinivil®, Vasotec®, or Zestril®). Your doctor will need to know if you are using medicine to treat seizures such as phenytoin (Dilantin®) or carbamazepine (Tegretol®), or sedatives such as alprazolam (Xanax®).

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

Make sure your doctor knows if you have kidney disease, liver disease, heart disease, circulation problems, untreated high blood pressure, or a history of asthma.
If you are more than 16 years of age, you should not use this medicine for more than 5 days unless your doctor has told you to.
If you are 16 years of age or younger, you should not use more than a single dose.
This medicine may raise your risk of having a heart attack or stroke. This is more likely in people who already have heart disease. People who use this medicine for a long time might also have a higher risk.
This medicine may cause bleeding in your stomach or intestines. These problems can happen without warning signs. This is more likely if you have had a stomach ulcer in the past, if you smoke or drink alcohol regularly, if you are over 60 years old, if you are in poor health, or if you are using certain other medicines (a steroid medicine or a blood thinner).
This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Blistering, peeling, or red skin rash.
Bloody or black, tarry stools.
Change in how much or how often you urinate.
Chest pain, shortness of breath, or coughing up blood.
Dark-colored urine or pale stools.
Flu-like symptoms.
Numbness or weakness in your arm or leg, or on one side of your body.
Pain in your lower leg (calf).
Problems with vision, speech, or walking.
Shortness of breath, cold sweat, and bluish-colored skin.
Skin rash or blisters with fever.
Sudden and severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, fever, and lightheadedness.
Sudden or severe headache.
Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet.
Unusual bleeding or bruising.
Unusual tiredness or weakness.
Unusual weight gain.
Vomiting blood or something that looks like coffee grounds.
Yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

Changes in your vision.
Diarrhea, constipation, or indigestion.
Headache.
Mild stomach pain.
Ringing in your ears.

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 1/27/2017