Ketorolac (Toradol®) Oral Tablets for Short-Term Pain Relief

What Ketorolac Is and How It Works

Ketorolac is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used for short-term relief of moderate, acute pain in adults. The common oral strength is ketorolac 10mg. Tablets are typically used after procedures or injuries when a strong non-opioid pain option is needed. This medicine reduces prostaglandins that drive pain and inflammation.

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The active ingredient is ketorolac tromethamine. By inhibiting cyclooxygenase (COX-1 and COX-2), it decreases prostaglandin synthesis. This helps lower pain signals and swelling. The oral form is for short courses only. It is not for chronic conditions or minor aches.

Ketorolac oral tablets are prescribed for adults. Typical use is 10 mg every 4 to 6 hours as needed, with a maximum daily dose and a strict 5-day treatment limit due to gastrointestinal and kidney risks. A ketorolac prescription is required.

Dosage and Usage

• Usual adult dose: 10 mg by mouth every 4–6 hours as needed.
• Do not exceed 40 mg in any 24-hour period for oral dosing.
• Limit total duration across all routes to a maximum of 5 days.
• Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest time.
• Take with food or milk to reduce stomach upset.
• Swallow the ketorolac pill whole with water; do not crush unless advised.
• If using around-the-clock dosing and you miss a dose, take it when remembered unless it is near the next dose. Do not double.
• Do not combine with other NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen, aspirin above cardioprotective doses).
• Elderly patients and those with renal concerns often need lower doses; follow the prescribed plan.
• Alcohol increases stomach bleeding risk; avoid or limit intake while taking this ketorolac medicine.

• Store tablets at 20–25°C (68–77°F); brief 15–30°C (59–86°F) excursions are acceptable.
• Keep in the original, tightly closed container, away from moisture and direct light.
• When you travel, keep tablets in your carry-on with the prescription label.
• Do not store in a car glove box or other hot environments.
• Keep out of reach of children and pets.

Benefits and Savings

Ketorolac for pain offers strong, opioid-sparing relief for acute, moderate pain. Many patients need fewer rescue opioids when ketorolac is part of the plan. The oral tablet is convenient for home use after a short hospital or clinic course.

As a generic alternative to Toradol, ketorolac 10 mg tablet provides effective analgesia without the cost of a brand label. You can expect clear dosing guidance and consistent quality from ketorolac tromethamine 10 mg products supplied through our pharmacy network.

Ordering from YouDrugstore can lower the price of ketorolac compared with typical U.S. pharmacy costs. Many customers see 60–80% savings. Multi-pack orders, when prescribed, can reduce your per-course ketorolac cost. Reorder reminders help you plan ahead for upcoming procedures or flares.

ketorolac coupons may be available on our promotions page.

Side Effects and Safety

• Nausea, stomach pain, indigestion, heartburn, or vomiting
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Dizziness or drowsiness
• Headache
• Fluid retention or swelling
• Elevated blood pressure
• Rash or itching

Serious risks can include gastrointestinal bleeding or ulcer, kidney problems, liver issues, increased risk of heart attack and stroke, severe allergic reactions (including bronchospasm in aspirin-sensitive asthma), and serious skin reactions. Risk is higher in older adults, those with prior ulcers or GI bleeding, and with higher doses or longer use. Avoid late pregnancy (especially the third trimester). Review potential interactions in our article Drug Interactions The Top Interactions That Should Be On Your Radar.

Onset Time

Oral ketorolac usually starts working within about 30–60 minutes. Peak pain relief often occurs by 2–3 hours after a dose. Many people feel steady relief when dosing every 4–6 hours as prescribed. Because it targets prostaglandins, it helps most with inflammatory pain from procedures or musculoskeletal injury.

Headache relief varies. Some providers use ketorolac for headache, including migraine, in short courses, but response differs between individuals and headache types.

Compare With Alternatives

Ibuprofen and naproxen are over-the-counter NSAIDs often used for mild to moderate pain. They are gentler options for minor pain but may be less potent than a prescribed ketorolac tablet for post-procedure pain. Dosing windows for these drugs are longer for chronic conditions, unlike ketorolac’s strict 5-day limit.

Diclofenac or celecoxib are prescription NSAIDs sometimes chosen for arthritis. Celecoxib may offer lower GI irritation in some patients but still carries cardiovascular and renal risks. For an overview of options, see our article Arthritis Drugs.

Ketorolac is also available as an injectable in clinic settings for rapid relief. The oral ketorolac 10 mg tab is suited for continued short-term therapy at home. For pain localized to the knee or leg after activity, our guide on Back Of The Knee Pain may provide useful context on causes and care discussions.

Combination Therapy

• Acetaminophen: Often used with ketorolac for multimodal pain control; follow dose limits for both medicines.
• Opioids: Short adjunct courses may be used for breakthrough pain; lower opioid doses are often possible when ketorolac is included.
• Gastroprotection: Proton pump inhibitors or H2 blockers may be used in high-risk patients to reduce GI ulcer risk.
• Avoid: Other NSAIDs, high-dose aspirin, or anticoagulant combinations unless specifically directed and monitored due to bleeding risk.
• Blood pressure and kidney medications: ACE inhibitors, ARBs, and diuretics can interact; monitoring or adjustments may be required.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

Good candidates are adults needing short-term, strong non-opioid analgesia after minor surgery, dental procedures, or acute injuries. It is not intended for long-term use or for chronic daily pain. The goal is to use the smallest effective dose for only a few days.

Ketorolac may not be suitable for people with active or recent stomach ulcers or GI bleeding, advanced kidney disease, bleeding disorders, severe heart failure, or known NSAID allergy. It should not be used right before or after coronary artery bypass graft surgery, during labor, or in the third trimester of pregnancy. Caution is required with anticoagulants, antiplatelet drugs, SSRIs/SNRIs, corticosteroids, lithium, methotrexate, and probenecid.

To manage the price of ketorolac, choose generic tablets, compare the toradol price to the generic, and consider multi-pack orders when your prescriber authorizes intermittent courses. You can turn on reorder reminders in your account so you do not run short before a planned procedure. You can place your ketorolac order online or by phone during office hours.

Authoritative Sources

Pfizer Toradol (ketorolac) product information

Health Canada Product Monograph: TORADOL (ketorolac tromethamine)

FDA Label: Ketorolac Tromethamine Tablets

Order ketorolac from YouDrugstore: add to cart, upload your prescription, and we ship with prompt, express shipping.

This information is educational and does not replace professional medical advice. Always speak with a qualified healthcare professional about diagnosis, treatment, and risks for your situation.