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What Is Ketorolac Tromethamine?

Ketorolac tromethamine is a prescription nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicine used for short-term management of moderately severe acute pain that requires analgesia at the opioid level. Systemic treatment can begin by intravenous or intramuscular injection, while 10 mg oral tablets are used only as continuation therapy in adults. The combined treatment duration does not exceed five days.

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What Is Ketorolac Tromethamine?

Ketorolac tromethamine is a prescription nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicine used for short-term management of moderately severe acute pain that requires analgesia at the opioid level. Systemic treatment can begin by intravenous or intramuscular injection, while 10 mg oral tablets are used only as continuation therapy in adults. The combined treatment duration does not exceed five days.

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How Does Ketorolac Tromethamine Work?

Ketorolac inhibits cyclooxygenase activity and reduces prostaglandin synthesis. This produces analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects without acting as an opioid.

Who Is Treated With Systemic Ketorolac Tromethamine?

Systemic ketorolac is used in adults for short-term moderately severe acute pain, commonly in postoperative settings. Oral tablets are not used as the initial dose and are not indicated for minor or chronic pain. Oral ketorolac is not approved for patients younger than 17.

How Are Ketorolac Tromethamine Tablets Dosed?

Adults age 17 through 64 receive 20 mg by mouth once after intravenous or intramuscular treatment, then 10 mg every four to six hours as needed. Adults age 65 and older, patients with kidney impairment, or patients weighing less than 50 kg receive 10 mg once, then 10 mg every four to six hours as needed. Oral dosing does not exceed 40 mg per day.

What Serious Risks Are Linked to Ketorolac Tromethamine?

Ketorolac tromethamine carries boxed warnings for serious gastrointestinal bleeding, ulceration, and perforation, cardiovascular thrombotic events, kidney injury, and bleeding risk. It is contraindicated in advanced kidney impairment, active peptic ulcer disease, recent gastrointestinal bleeding, high bleeding risk, and coronary artery bypass graft surgery. Systemic treatment is also contraindicated during labor and delivery.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ketorolac Tromethamine

How long can systemic ketorolac treatment last?

The combined duration of injection and oral treatment in adults does not exceed five days.

Can oral ketorolac tromethamine be the first dose?

No. Oral tablets are used only after intravenous or intramuscular ketorolac.

What is the maximum oral daily dose?

The maximum oral dose is 40 mg per day.

Is ketorolac tromethamine used for chronic pain?

No. Current systemic labeling limits treatment to short-term moderately severe acute pain.

References

A Randomized, Double-Blind Evaluation of Ketorolac Tromethamine for Postoperative Analgesia in Ambulatory Surgery Patients. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8424573/. Date Accessed October 7, 2026.

Evaluation of Ketorolac, Ibuprofen, Acetaminophen, and an Acetaminophen-Codeine Combination in Postoperative Oral Surgery Pain. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2082318/. Date Accessed October 7, 2026.

Ketorolac. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK545172/. Date Accessed October 7, 2026.

Ketorolac: MedlinePlus Drug Information. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a693001.html. Date Accessed October 7, 2026.

Ketorolac Tromethamine Tablets Prescribing Information. https://www.dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=b0aa1137-d0c3-4e4e-b1ec-5fe4b24e570a. Date Accessed October 7, 2026.