Toradol® IM Ampoules for Short-Term Acute Pain Management

What Toradol® Is and How It Works

Toradol® (ketorolac tromethamine) is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) for short-term treatment of moderate to severe acute pain. It is supplied as intramuscular (IM) injection ampoules. It helps reduce pain by inhibiting cyclooxygenase (COX-1 and COX-2) enzymes, which lowers prostaglandin production involved in pain and inflammation. Patients sometimes seek Toradol IM Ampoules without insurance to manage out-of-pocket costs.

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Toradol® is used for acute pain, such as postoperative pain, dental pain, or injury-related pain, when an NSAID injection is appropriate. It is not for chronic pain and is limited to short courses because of dose-related risks. The IM route provides reliable absorption, with onset typically within one hour.

Dosage and Usage

• Therapy is short term. Total duration (injection plus any oral ketorolac) should not exceed 5 days in adults.
• Typical adult IM dosing: single dose 60 mg IM, or 30 mg IM every 6 hours as needed.
• Maximum daily dose: 120 mg for adults under 65 years with normal renal function.
• Older adults (≥65 years), low body weight (<50 kg), or renal impairment: consider single 30 mg IM dose, or 15 mg IM every 6 hours; maximum 60 mg/day.
• Not indicated in pediatric patients.
• Do not use Toradol® for preoperative analgesia or during labor and delivery.
• Avoid combining with other NSAIDs, including aspirin, due to additive adverse effects.
• Concomitant probenecid or pentoxifylline is contraindicated.
• Missed dose: if part of a scheduled regimen, administer when remembered unless close to the next dose; do not double doses. Follow the prescriber’s plan.
• IM administration is typically performed by trained personnel. Use aseptic technique and single-use ampoules.
• Preferred IM injection sites include the upper outer quadrant of the gluteal muscle or vastus lateralis, avoiding nerves and vessels.
• Inspect the solution for particulate matter or discoloration; do not use if compromised.
• Do not mix with other injectable drugs in the same syringe.
• Discard any unused portion; ampoules are single use only.

• Storage temperature: 20–25 °C (68–77 °F); brief excursions 15–30 °C (59–86 °F) are generally acceptable.
• Keep ampoules in the original carton to protect from light.
• Do not freeze. Do not use if the ampoule is cracked or the solution is cloudy.
• Keep out of reach of children and pets.
• For travel, place ampoules in a protective case inside your carry-on. Bring a copy of the prescription and any necessary documentation.
• Avoid excessive heat in cars or direct sunlight; use an insulated pouch if needed.

Benefits and Savings

Ketorolac IM offers opioid-sparing pain control for acute episodes. The injection bypasses the gut, which can be helpful after surgery. Dosing is intermittent and short. Many patients see effective pain relief without the sedation seen with some alternatives.

Buying through YouDrugstore can provide 60–80% savings versus typical US prices. Patients paying without insurance often find Canadian pricing lowers overall treatment costs. Multi-ampoule purchases may reduce the per-unit cost when permitted by the prescription.

For current promotions, see our Toradol IM Ampoules coupon page.

Side Effects and Safety

• Nausea, vomiting, dyspepsia, or abdominal pain
• Dizziness, drowsiness, or headache
• Injection-site pain or swelling
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Flatulence or heartburn
• Edema or increased blood pressure
• Rash or pruritus

Serious risks can include gastrointestinal ulceration, bleeding, or perforation; cardiovascular thrombotic events (heart attack or stroke); renal toxicity; severe hypersensitivity or anaphylaxis; bronchospasm in aspirin-sensitive asthma; and bleeding complications. Risk increases with higher doses and longer use. Do not use in the third trimester of pregnancy or during labor. Avoid after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. Stop and seek urgent care if signs of GI bleeding, chest pain, shortness of breath, facial swelling, or severe rash occur.

Onset Time

Analgesia usually begins within 30–60 minutes after an IM dose, with peak effect in about 1–2 hours. Duration of pain relief often lasts 4–6 hours. Consistent relief across the short course depends on dose and the underlying condition. There is no cumulative benefit from prolonged use, and therapy should be limited to the prescribed duration.

Compare With Alternatives

Oral NSAIDs such as ibuprofen or naproxen are options for mild to moderate pain when injections are not required. They may be less suitable immediately after certain surgeries due to swallowing or absorption issues.

Diclofenac (oral or topical) offers anti-inflammatory effects but does not provide the same rapid systemic onset as an IM injection. Choice depends on clinical setting, risk factors, and the need for fast, parenteral analgesia.

Acetaminophen (paracetamol) can be used for milder pain or combined with other agents. Short courses of opioid analgesics are sometimes used for severe pain, balancing efficacy with sedation, constipation, and dependence risks.

Combination Therapy

• With acetaminophen for multimodal analgesia in acute postoperative pain.
• With regional anesthesia techniques (e.g., nerve blocks) under specialist care.
• Avoid concurrent NSAIDs (including aspirin for pain) to reduce GI and bleeding risks.
• Consider gastroprotection (e.g., proton pump inhibitor) in high GI risk patients when an NSAID is necessary.
• Use caution with anticoagulants, SSRIs/SNRIs, corticosteroids, and alcohol due to bleeding risk.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

Candidates are adults needing short-term treatment of moderate to severe acute pain where an IM NSAID is appropriate. It is not for chronic pain or minor aches. Those at high risk for GI or renal complications may require alternatives or protective strategies decided by the prescriber.

Do not use in patients with active peptic ulcer disease, recent GI bleeding or perforation, NSAID hypersensitivity, advanced renal disease or risk of renal failure due to volume depletion, cerebrovascular bleeding, hemorrhagic diathesis, incomplete hemostasis, or in labor and delivery. Avoid concomitant probenecid or pentoxifylline. Use caution in older adults, smokers, those with hypertension, heart disease, hepatic impairment, or those who drink alcohol.

For budgeting, compare Toradol IM Ampoules cost across pack sizes. Reorder reminders can help keep therapy on hand for planned procedures. When allowed by the prescription, a multi-ampoule purchase may lower the per-dose price. US customers can order online and receive prompt, express shipping.

Authoritative Sources

Health Canada Drug Product Database: ketorolac tromethamine (Toradol) listings

FDA Prescribing Information: Ketorolac Tromethamine Injection

Regulatory Datasheet: Ketorolac Injection (professional monograph)

Order Toradol® from YouDrugstore: add to cart, upload your prescription, and we ship with prompt, express, cold-chain handling.

This content is for educational purposes only and does not replace advice from your healthcare professional.