Drug Name

Toradol (Ketorolac)

Drug Uses

Toradol is used for the short-term (up to 5 days) treatment of moderate or severe pain (usually after surgery), alone or in combination with other medicines. 

How to use

Use Toradol as directed by your doctor. 
Toradol may be taken with food if it upsets your stomach. Taking it with food may not decrease the risk of stomach or bowel problems (such as bleeding or ulcers) that may occur while taking Toradol. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you experience persistant stomach upset.
Do not use this medication for more than 5 days. Toradol is not for the treatment of mild to moderate or chronic pain (e.g., headache).
Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Toradol.

Drug Class and Mechanism

Toradol is an NSAID. It reduces inflammation by preventing certain chemicals (prostaglandins) from being produced by the injured tissue. 

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of Toradol, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once. 

Storage

Store Toradol at room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Keep Toradol out of the reach of children and away from pets.

Warnings/Precautions

Do not use Toradol if: 
you are allergic to any ingredient in Toradol;
you have had a severe allergic reaction (e.g., severe rash, hives, breathing difficulties, dizziness) to aspirin or an NSAID (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen, celecoxib) ;
you are taking an aminoglycoside (e.g., gentamicin), heparin, methotrexate, probenecid, tacrolimus, aspirin, or another NSAID (e.g., ibuprofen, celecoxib);
you are breast-feeding, in labor or delivery, or you are scheduled to have surgery;
you have a history of ulcers or severe stomach problems (e.g., bleeding, perforation);
you are in your second or third trimester of pregnancy;
you have severe kidney problems (including risk for kidney failure), or you have or are at risk for bleeding problems (e.g., stroke, hemorrhage).
Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Important :

Toradol may cause drowsiness or dizziness. Do not drive, operate machinery or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to Toradol. Using Toradol alone, with other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or perform other potentially dangerous tasks.
Do not take other anti-inflammatory medicines while you are taking Toradol. This includes any medicine that contains aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, and many prescription medicines. If you have questions about which medicines are anti-inflammatory agents, ask your doctor or pharmacist. If you are taking aspirin, prescribed by your doctor for reasons such as heart attack or stroke prevention (usually 81 to 325 mg per day), talk with your doctor before using Toradol.
If you drink more than 3 alcohol-containing drinks a day, do not take Toradol without first discussing it with your doctor.
Additional monitoring of your dose or condition may be necessary if you are taking amphetamines (e.g., dextroamphetamine), bisphosphonates (e.g., alendronate), or diuretics or "water pills" (e.g., hydrochlorothiazide).
Lab tests may be required to monitor therapy or to check for side effects. Be sure to follow all doctor and lab appointments.
Toradol is not recommended for use in children younger than 16 years of age. Safety and effectiveness have not been confirmed.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: If you become pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using Toradol during pregnancy. Toradol is excreted in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Toradol.

Possible Side Effects

Check with your doctor if any of these most common side effects persist or become bothersome: 
constipation; diarrhea; dizziness; drowsiness; gas; headache; indigestion; mouth sores; nausea; purple patches under the skin; stomach fullness; stomach pain; sweating; swelling; vomiting.
Seek medical attention right away if any of these severe side effects occur:

severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); black stools; dark urine or pale stools; fainting; fluid retention; hallucinations; meningitis; persistent stomach/abdominal pain; pounding in the chest; psychosis; rectal bleeding; seizures; severe and continuing nausea; shortness of breath; stomach perforation; tightness in chest; tremors; ulcers; unusual bleeding or bruising; unusual fatigue; vomit that looks like coffee grounds; yellowing of the skin or eyes.

More Information

Toradol is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.