Classification: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug

 

Indications:  Toradol (Ketorolac Tromethamine) is a potent anti-inflammatory for the short-term (up to 5 days) management of moderately severe acute pain that requires analgesia at the opioid level, however Toradol is NOT an opioid.  

 

Mechanism of Action / Benefits: 

  • The analgesic (pain relief) and anti-inflammatory effect is achieved by the inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis by competitive blocking of the enzyme cyclooxygenase (COX). The COX enzyme pathway is the chief pathway in our bodies that causes inflammation.  
  • The peak analgesic effect of Toradol occurs within 2 to 3 hours.

Dosage:

  • The recommended adult intravenous dosage for age 17-64yrs is 30mg; for >65yrs the dose is 15mg.
  • The recommended adult intramuscular dosage for age 17-64yrs is 60mg: for > 65yrs the dose is 30mg. 
  • May repeat dosage every 6 hours

 

Considerations:

  • Do not use if patient has history of: 
    • Bleeding disorders
    • Chronic kidney disease 
    • Aspirin allergy
    • Peptic ulcer
    • Prior major cerebrovascular/GI bleeding

 

Potential Side Effects: 

  • Injection site pain
  • Dizziness
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Sweating