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Ketorolac (By injection)

Ketorolac (kee-toe-ROLE-ak)

Treats pain. This medicine is an NSAID.

Brand Name(s):

BD Simplist Ketorolac Tromethamine, Ketorolac Tromethamine Novaplus, PremierPro Rx Ketorolac Tromethamine

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

This medicine is not right for everyone. You should not receive it if you had an allergic reaction to ketorolac, aspirin, or any other NSAID medicines. You should not use this medicine if you have a stomach ulcer, a bleeding disorder, or you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

  • This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.
  • Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given as a shot into a muscle or through a needle placed in one of your veins.
  • A nurse or other health provider will give you this medicine.
  • This medicine is not for long-term use. It should never be used longer than 5 days.
  • Missed dose: Call your doctor or pharmacist for instructions.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

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

  • You should not receive this medicine if you are using probenecid or pentoxifylline.
  • Do not use any other NSAID medicine unless your doctor says it is okay. Some other NSAIDs are aspirin, diclofenac, ibuprofen, and naproxen.
  • Some medicines can affect how ketorolac works. Tell your doctor if you are also using lithium, methotrexate, thiothixene, or alprazolam.
  • Also tell your doctor if you are using a blood thinner (such as warfarin), a steroid medicine, a diuretic or "water pill" (such as furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide [HCTZ], torsemide), blood pressure medicine (such as enalapril, lisinopril, losartan), medicine to treat depression (such as fluoxetine), or medicine for seizures (such as carbamazepine or phenytoin).

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

  • Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, liver disease, anemia, Crohn disease, ulcerative colitis or a history of stomach ulcers, high blood pressure, asthma, congestive heart failure, or other heart or circulation problems.
  • This medicine may cause the following problems:
    • Bleeding in your stomach or intestines
    • Higher risk of heart attack or stroke
    • Serious skin reactions
    • Liver problems

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 that may spread, trouble breathing, nausea, unusual sweating, fainting
  • Dark urine or pale stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, yellow skin or eyes
  • Numbness or weakness on one side of your body, sudden or severe headache, problems with vision, speech, or walking
  • Pain in your lower leg (calf)
  • Rapid weight gain, swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet
  • Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness
  • Vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds

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

  • Diarrhea, constipation, nausea, or indigestion
  • Drowsiness, dizziness, or lightheadedness
  • Headache
  • Pain where the shot was given

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: 9/6/2024
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