Ketorolac
Ketorolac is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used for the short-term management of moderate to severe acute pain. It works by reducing inflammation and pain through inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis. Due to potential serious side effects, it is typically limited to short-term use (usually no more than 5 days).
Ketorolac is a short-term NSAID pain reliever used for moderate to severe acute pain, not for chronic conditions.
This medication carries a boxed (black box) warning — the strongest type of FDA warning. Review the full prescribing information before use.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- M01AB15
- RxNorm
- 35827
- Generic
- Ketorolac
- Class
- atc-m01
- Brands
- Acular, Omidria, Acuvail, Sprix
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- ophthalmic, oral, nasal
- Forms
- injection, prefilled syringe, solution, tablet, spray
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 10mg every 4-6 hours as needed
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- not to exceed 40mg per day
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- Not typically recommended for patients under 17 years of age
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- N/A
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 10mg every 6-8 hours
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- reduced frequency recommended due to increased sensitivity to adverse effects
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
8 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks, use lowest effective dose for shortest duration
regular fetal monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
third trimesteravoid completely
do not use in third trimester due to risk of premature closure of ductus arteriosus
fetal ultrasound for ductus arteriosus flow
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
lactation
breastfeedingavoid
ketorolac is excreted in breast milk, avoid use while breastfeeding
monitor infant for adverse effects
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
geriatric
elderly 65reduce dose by 50%
use lowest effective dose for shortest duration, increased risk of GI bleeding and renal impairment
monitor renal function and for signs of GI bleeding
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
under 17 yearsnot recommended
not recommended for use in pediatric patients due to increased risk of adverse effects
close monitoring for adverse effects
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
renal_impairment
moderate renal impairmentreduce dose by 50%, contraindicated in severe impairment
use with caution in mild to moderate renal impairment, avoid in advanced renal impairment
monitor renal function closely, avoid in serum creatinine >5 mg/dL
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
severe renal impairmentavoid completely
contraindicated in patients with advanced renal impairment or at risk of renal failure
monitor renal function tests
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
hepatic_impairment
moderate hepatic impairmentreduce dose
use with caution in patients with hepatic impairment, may require dose reduction
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
Commonly prescribed since
General prescribing information
Drug class
Drug class information
Common uses
Common therapeutic uses
Mechanism of action
Pharmacological mechanism
Ketorolac is indicated for short-term management of moderate to severe acute pain, including postoperative pain, renal colic, and traumatic injuries. It is not indicated for chronic pain conditions or as a preoperative medication.
Ketorolac works by reversibly inhibiting cyclooxygenase (COX-1 and COX-2) enzymes, which reduces the synthesis of prostaglandins that mediate pain, inflammation, and fever.
Ketorolac carries significant risks including gastrointestinal bleeding, renal toxicity, and increased cardiovascular risk. It is contraindicated in patients with active peptic ulcers, severe renal impairment, and perioperative pain in coronary artery bypass graft surgery. Use is generally limited to 5 days or less due to safety concerns. It should not be used with other NSAIDs or anticoagulants without careful monitoring.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 24, 2026. · Read our editorial policy