Ketorolac injection is an anti-inflammatory medication developed by the U.S. Food And Drug Administration and initially approved on September 5, 1989, for treating moderate to severe pain in adult patients.

Ketorolac injection helps to treat acute pain in adult patients. The injection form of this drug allows for rapid onset of action, making it particularly useful in situations where immediate pain relief is needed or when oral intake is not possible, such as postoperative conditions or cases of severe musculoskeletal pain. This drug should not be used for mild or long-term painful conditions. It is intended for short-term use only.

Ketorolac is injected into a vein (intravenously) or muscle (intramuscularly). Your doctor will decide the frequency and dose of the injection based on your disease condition. Do not self-administer this medicine. 

The side effects known to occur commonly during the treatment with Ketorolac injection are nausea, indigestion, visual disturbance, vomiting, stomach pain, drowsiness and dizziness. Some serious side effects also include injection site reactions (swelling, pain, redness), and swelling of face, fingers, legs, ankles, or feet.

Ketorolac is contraindicated in individuals with known hypersensitivity or allergy to it or its component. It is highly advised to contact your doctor if you develop any injection site reactions or skin symptoms. Inform your doctor of any heart, thyroid, kidney, or liver disease. Your physician may prescribe you a low dose and perform regular blood tests.

It is generally recommended to avoid using Ketorolac injection during pregnancy, especially in the third trimester, as it may harm the unborn baby. Taking this drug while breastfeeding is unsafe because it may affect the child. Do not breastfeed while taking this medicine.

Ketorolac injection is not meant for self-administration at home; it should be only administered by your physician. This injection provides short-term pain relief. If your pain worsens, contact your doctor for further evaluation. This drug can cause drowsiness, dizziness, and other central nervous system effects. Avoid driving outdoors or engaging in activities that require mental alertness.

1. Atnahs Pharma UK Limited, European Medicine Consortium (EMC), [Revised on March 2019], Available at: https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.14193.pdf [Accessed on 9th June 2023].
2. Ketorolac injection - food and drug administration (FDA). [Revised on Nov 2020], Available at: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/spl/data/5c1c882c-6204-47f8-a47f-b9bc82cc5d83/5c1c882c-6204-47f8-a47f-b9bc82cc5d83.xml [Accessed on 9th June 2023].
3. Goodman & Gilman's, The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, Inflammation, Immunomodulation and Hematopoiesis, 12th edition, 2011, 986.
4. KD Tripathi, Essentials of Medical Pharmacology, Autacoids and related drugs, 7th edition, 2013, 202.

The drug information on this page is not a substitute for medical advice; it is meant for educational purposes only. For further details, consult your doctor about your medical condition to know if you are eligible to receive this treatment.