Toradol is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory product based on ketorolac, registered in 17 countries across a geographically diverse footprint that spans North America, Northern Europe, parts of Asia, and the post-Soviet space. The brand is used in the management of pain, and ketorolac itself is also formulated in some markets as an ophthalmologic agent in addition to its more familiar systemic analgesic role.
Ketorolac belongs to the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory category, with analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic properties. The structured indication block further down this page lists the registered uses recognised by the national regulators in each market where Toradol is sold — these can vary from country to country, and the formulation available in one market is not always available in another.
Markets where Toradol is registered include Canada, Spain, Russia, the Philippines, Australia, and Norway, among others. Travellers and expatriates moving between these countries may find the same brand on local shelves, but packaging, prescription requirements, and the specific formulation supplied can differ considerably from one regulatory environment to the next. A pharmacist in the destination country is well placed to confirm whether the locally stocked ketorolac product matches what a patient has been using elsewhere.
Other medications within the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory class are widely sold internationally under different molecules and brand names, and ketorolac itself appears under several brand names in markets where the original patent has expired. Anyone using Toradol, considering it, or trying to identify a local equivalent while travelling should treat the question as a clinical one — a healthcare provider familiar with the patient is the right person to make any decision about substitution or continuity of therapy.
Symptoms following acute NSAID overdoses are usually limited to lethargy, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, and epigastric pain, which are generally reversible with supportive care. Gastrointestinal bleeding can occur. Hypertension, acute renal failure, respiratory depression and coma may occur, but are rare. Anaphylactoid reactions have been reported with therapeutic ingestion of NSAIDs, and may occur following an overdose.
TreatmentPatients should be managed by symptomatic and supportive care following a NSAIDs overdose. There are no specific antidotes. Emesis and/or activated charcoal (60 g to 100 g in adults, 1 g/kg to 2 g/kg in children) and/or osmotic cathartic may be indicated in patients seen within 4 hours of ingestion with symptoms or following a large oral overdose (5 to 10 times the usual dose). Forced diuresis, alkalization of urine, hemodialysis or hemoperfusion may not be useful due to high protein binding. Single overdoses of TORADOL have been variously associated with abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, hyperventilation, peptic ulcers and/or erosive gastritis and renal dysfunction which have resolved after discontinuation of dosing.
Adverse reaction rates increase with higher doses of TORADOL (ketorolac tromethamine). Practitioners should be alert for the severe complications of treatment with TORADOL (ketorolac tromethamine) , such as GI ulceration, bleeding and perforation, postoperative bleeding, acute renal failure, anaphylactic and anaphylactoid reactions and liver failure (see BOXED WARNING, WARNINGS, PRECAUTIONS, and DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION). These NSAID-related complications can be serious in certain patients for whom TORADOL (ketorolac tromethamine) is indicated, especially when the drug is used inappropriately.
In patients taking TORADOL (ketorolac tromethamine) or other NSAIDs in clinical trials, the most frequently reported adverse experiences in approximately 1% to 10% of patients are:
| Gastrointestinal (GI) experiences including: | ||
| abdominal pain* | constipation/diarrhea | dyspepsia* |
| flatulence | GI fullness | GI ulcers (gastric/duodenal) |
| gross bleeding/perforation | Heartburn | nausea* |
| stomatitis | Vomiting | |
| Other experiences: | ||
| abnormal renal function | Anemia | dizziness |
| drowsiness | Edema | elevated liver enzymes |
| headaches* | Hypertension | increased bleeding time |
| injection site pain | Pruritus | purpura |
| rashes | Tinnitus | sweating |
| *Incidence greater than 10% | ||
Additional adverse experiences reported occasionally ( < 1% in patients taking TORADOL (ketorolac tromethamine) or other NSAIDs in clinical trials) include:
Body as a Whole: fever, infections, sepsis
Cardiovascular: congestive heart failure, palpitation, pallor, tachycardia, syncope
Dermatologic: alopecia, photosensitivity, urticaria
Gastrointestinal: anorexia, dry mouth, eructation, esophagitis, excessive thirst, gastritis, glossitis, hematemesis, hepatitis, increased appetite, jaundice, melena, rectal bleeding
Hemic and Lymphatic: ecchymosis, eosinophilia, epistaxis, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia
Metabolic and Nutritional: weight change
Nervous System: abnormal dreams, abnormal thinking, anxiety, asthenia, confusion, depression, euphoria, extrapyramidal symptoms, hallucinations, hyperkinesis, inability to concentrate, insomnia, nervousness, paresthesia, somnolence, stupor, tremors, vertigo, malaise
Reproductive, female: infertility
Respiratory: asthma, cough, dyspnea, pulmonary edema, rhinitis
Special Senses: abnormal taste, abnormal vision, blurred vision, hearing loss
Urogenital: cystitis, dysuria, hematuria, increased urinary frequency, interstitial nephritis, oliguria/polyuria, proteinuria, renal failure, urinary retention
Other rarely observed reactions (reported from postmarketing experience in patients taking TORADOL (ketorolac tromethamine) or other NSAIDs) are:
Body as a Whole: angioedema, death, hypersensitivity reactions such as anaphylaxis, anaphylactoid reaction, laryngeal edema, tongue edema (see WARNINGS), myalgia
Cardiovascular: arrhythmia, bradycardia, chest pain, flushing, hypotension, myocardial infarction, vasculitis
Dermatologic: exfoliative dermatitis, erythema multiforme, Lyell's syndrome, bullous reactions including Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis
Gastrointestinal: acute pancreatitis, liver failure, ulcerative stomatitis, exacerbation of inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease)
Hemic and Lymphatic: agranulocytosis, aplastic anemia, hemolytic anemia, lymphadenopathy, pancytopenia, postoperative wound hemorrhage (rarely requiring blood transfusion - see BOXED WARNING, WARNINGS, and PRECAUTIONS)
Metabolic and Nutritional: hyperglycemia, hyperkalemia, hyponatremia
Nervous System: aseptic meningitis, convulsions, coma, psychosis
Respiratory: bronchospasm, respiratory depression, pneumonia
Special Senses: conjunctivitis
Urogenital: flank pain with or without hematuria and/or azotemia, hemolytic uremic syndrome
Postmarketing Surveillance StudyA large postmarketing observational, nonrandomized study, involving approximately 10,000 patients receiving ketorolac tromethamineIV/IM, demonstrated that the risk of clinically serious gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding was dose-dependent (see Tables 3A and 3B). This was particularly true in elderly patients who received an average daily dose greater than 60 mg/day of ketorolac tromethamineIV/IM (see Table 3A).
Table 3 Incidence of Clinically Serious GI Bleeding as Related to Age, Total Daily Dose, and History of GI Perforation, Ulcer, Bleeding (PUB) After up to 5 Days of Treatment With Ketorolac TromethamineIV/IMA.
| A. Adult Patients Without History of PUB | ||||
| Age of Patients | Total Daily Dose of Ketorolac TromethamineIV/IM | |||
| ≤ 60 mg | > 60 to 90 mg | > 90 to 120 mg | > 120 mg | |
| < 65 years of age | 0.4% | 0.4% | 0.9% | 4.6% |
| ≥ 65 years of age | 1.2% | 2.8% | 2.2% | 7.7% |
| B. Adult Patients With History of PUB | ||||
| Age of Patients | Total Daily Dose of Ketorolac TromethamineIV/IM | |||
| ≤ 60 mg | > 60 to 90 mg | > 90 to 120 mg | > 120 mg | |
| < 65 years of age | 2.1% | 4.6% | 7.8% | 15.4% |
| ≥ 65 years of age | 4.7% | 3.7% | 2.8% | 25.0% |
In late pregnancy, as with other NSAIDs, TORADOL (ketorolac tromethamine) should be avoided because it may cause premature closure of the ductus arteriosus.
PRECAUTIONS(see also BOXED WARNING)
The total combined duration of use of TORADOLORAL and IV or IM dosing of ketorolac tromethamine is not to exceed 5 days in adults. TORADOL (ketorolac tromethamine) ORAL is not indicated for use in pediatric patients.
The most serious risks associated with TORADOL (ketorolac tromethamine) are:
Gastrointestinal Effects - Risk of Ulceration, Bleeding, and PerforationTORADOL (ketorolac tromethamine) is contraindicated in patients with previously documented peptic ulcers and/or GI bleeding. Toradol (ketorolac tromethamine) can cause serious gastrointestinal (GI) adverse events including bleeding, ulceration and perforation, of the stomach, small intestine, or large intestine, which can be fatal. These serious adverse events can occur at any time, with or without warning symptoms, in patients treated with TORADOL (ketorolac tromethamine).
Only one in five patients who develop a serious upper GI adverse event on NSAID therapy is symptomatic. Minor upper gastrointestinal problems, such as dyspepsia, are common and may also occur at any time during NSAID therapy. The incidence and severity of gastrointestinal complications increases with increasing dose of, and duration of treatment with, TORADOL (ketorolac tromethamine). Do not use TORADOL (ketorolac tromethamine) for more than five days. However, even short-term therapy is not without risk. In addition to past history of ulcer disease, other factors that increase the risk for GI bleeding in patients treated with NSAIDs include concomitant use of oral corticosteroids, or anticoagulants, longer duration of NSAID therapy, smoking, use of alcohol, older age, and poor general health status. Most spontaneous reports of fatal GI events are in elderly or debilitated patients and therefore, special care should be taken in treating this population.
To minimize the potential risk for an adverse GI event, the lowest effective dose should be used for the shortest possible duration. Patients and physicians should remain alert for signs and symptoms of GI ulceration and bleeding during NSAID therapy and promptly initiate additional evaluation and treatment if a serious GI adverse event is suspected. This should include discontinuation of TORADOL (ketorolac tromethamine) until a serious GI adverse event is ruled out. For high risk patients, alternate therapies that do not involve NSAIDs should be considered.
NSAIDs should be given with care to patients with a history of inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease) as their condition may be exacerbated.
HemorrhageBecause prostaglandins play an important role in hemostasis and NSAIDs affect platelet aggregation as well, use of TORADOL (ketorolac tromethamine) in patients who have coagulation disorders should be undertaken very cautiously, and those patients should be carefully monitored. Patients on therapeutic doses of anticoagulants (eg, heparin or dicumarol derivatives) have an increased risk of bleeding complications if given TORADOL (ketorolac tromethamine) concurrently; therefore, physicians should administer such concomitant therapy only extremely cautiously. The concurrent use of TORADOL (ketorolac tromethamine) and therapy that affects hemostasis, including prophylactic low-dose heparin (2500 to 5000 units q12h), warfarin and dextrans have not been studied extensively, but may also be associated with an increased risk of bleeding. Until data from such studies are available, physicians should carefully weigh the benefits against the risks and use such concomitant therapy in these patients only extremely cautiously. Patients receiving therapy that affects hemostasis should be monitored closely.
In postmarketing experience, postoperative hematomas and other signs of wound bleeding have been reported in association with the peri-operative use of IV or IM dosing of ketorolac tromethamine. Therefore, peri-operative use of TORADOL (ketorolac tromethamine) should be avoided and postoperative use be undertaken with caution when hemostasis is critical (see PRECAUTIONS).
Renal EffectsLong-term administration of NSAIDs has resulted in renal papillary necrosis and other renal injury. Renal toxicity has also been seen in patients in whom renal prostaglandins have a compensatory role in the maintenance of renal perfusion. In these patients, administration of a NSAID may cause a dose-dependent reduction in prostaglandin formation and, secondarily, in renal blood flow, which may precipitate overt renal decompensation. Patients at greatest risk of this reaction are those with impaired renal function, heart failure, liver dysfunction, those taking diuretics and ACE inhibitors, and the elderly. Discontinuation of NSAID therapy is usually followed by recovery to the pretreatment state.
TORADOL (ketorolac tromethamine) and its metabolites are eliminated primarily by the kidneys, which, in patients with reduced creatinine clearance, will result in diminished clearance of the drug (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY). Therefore, TORADOL (ketorolac tromethamine) should be used with caution in patients with impaired renal function (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION) and such patients should be followed closely. With the use of TORADOL (ketorolac tromethamine) , there have been reports of acute renal failure, interstitial nephritis and nephrotic syndrome.
Impaired Renal FunctionTORADOL (ketorolac tromethamine) is contraindicated in patients with serum creatinine concentrations indicating advanced renal impairment (see CONTRAINDICATIONS). TORADOL (ketorolac tromethamine) should be used with caution in patients with impaired renal function or a history of kidney disease because it is a potent inhibitor of prostaglandin synthesis. Because patients with underlying renal insufficiency are at increased risk of developing acute renal decompensation or failure, the risks and benefits should be assessed prior to giving TORADOL (ketorolac tromethamine) to these patients.
Anaphylactoid ReactionsAs with other NSAIDs, anaphylactoid reactions may occur in patients without a known previous exposure or hypersensitivity to TORADOL (ketorolac tromethamine). TORADOL (ketorolac tromethamine) should not be given to patients with the aspirin triad. This symptom complex typically occurs in asthmatic patients who experience rhinitis with or without nasal polyps, or who exhibit severe, potentially fatal bronchospasm after taking aspirin or other NSAIDs (see CONTRAINDICATIONS and PRECAUTIONS: Preexisting Asthma). Anaphylactoid reactions, like anaphylaxis, may have a fatal outcome. Emergency help should be sought in cases where an anaphylactoid reaction occurs.
Cardiovascular Effects Cardiovascular Thrombotic EventsClinical trials of several COX-2 selective and nonselective NSAIDs of up to three years duration have shown an increased risk of serious cardiovascular (CV) thrombotic events, myocardial infarction, and stroke, which can be fatal. All NSAIDs, both COX-2 selective and nonselective, may have a similar risk. Patients with known CV disease or risk factors for CV disease may be at greater risk. To minimize the potential risk for an adverse CV event in patients treated with an NSAID, the lowest effective dose should be used for the shortest duration possible. Physicians and patients should remain alert for the development of such events, even in the absence of previous CV symptoms. Patients should be informed about the signs and/or symptoms of serious CV events and the steps to take if they occur.
There is no consistent evidence that concurrent use of aspirin mitigates the increased risk of serious CV thrombotic events associated with NSAID use. The concurrent use of aspirin and an NSAID does increase the risk of serious GI events (see Gastrointestinal Effects - Risk of Ulceration, Bleeding, and Perforation). Two large, controlled clinical trials of a COX-2 selective NSAID for the treatment of pain in the first 10-14 days following CABG surgery found an increased incidence of myocardial infarction and stroke (see CONTRAINDICATIONS).
HypertensionNSAIDs, including TORADOL (ketorolac tromethamine) , can lead to onset of new hypertension or worsening of preexisting hypertension, either of which may contribute to the increased incidence of CV events. Patients taking thiazides or loop diuretics may have impaired response to these therapies when taking NSAIDs. NSAIDs, including TORADOL (ketorolac tromethamine) , should be used with caution in patients with hypertension. Blood pressure (BP) should be monitored closely during the initiation of NSAID treatment and throughout the course of therapy.
Congestive Heart Failure and EdemaFluid retention, edema, retention of NaCl, oliguria, elevations of serum urea nitrogen and creatinine have been reported in clinical trials with TORADOL (ketorolac tromethamine). Therefore, TORADOL (ketorolac tromethamine) should be used only very cautiously in patients with cardiac decompensation, hypertension or similar conditions.
Skin ReactionsNSAIDS, including TORADOL (ketorolac tromethamine) , can cause serious skin adverse events such as exfoliative dermatitis, Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS), and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), which can be fatal. These serious events may occur without warning. Patients should be informed about the signs and symptoms of serious skin manifestations and use of the drug should be discontinued at the first appearance of skin rash, mucosal lesions, or any other sign of hypersensitivity.
PregnancyIn late pregnancy, as with other NSAIDs, TORADOL (ketorolac tromethamine) should be avoided because it may cause premature closure of the ductus arteriosus.
PRECAUTIONS GeneralTORADOL (ketorolac tromethamine) cannot be expected to substitute for corticosteroids or to treat corticosteroid insufficiency. Abrupt discontinuation of corticosteroids may lead to disease exacerbation. Patients on prolonged corticosteroid therapy should have their therapy tapered slowly if a decision is made to discontinue corticosteroids.
The pharmacological activity of TORADOL (ketorolac tromethamine) in reducing inflammation may diminish the utility of this diagnostic sign in detecting complications of presumed noninfectious, painful conditions.
Hepatic EffectTORADOL (ketorolac tromethamine) should be used with caution in patients with impaired hepatic function or a history of liver disease. Borderline elevations of one or more liver tests may occur in up to 15% of patients taking NSAIDs including TORADOL (ketorolac tromethamine). These laboratory abnormalities may progress, may remain unchanged, or may be transient with continuing therapy. Notable elevations of ALT or AST (approximately three or more times the upper limit of normal) have been reported in approximately 1% of patients in clinical trials with NSAIDs. In addition, rare cases of severe hepatic reactions, including jaundice and fatal fulminant hepatitis, liver necrosis and hepatic failure, some of them with fatal outcomes have been reported.
A patient with symptoms and/or signs suggesting liver dysfunction, or in whom an abnormal liver test has occurred, should be evaluated for evidence of the development of a more severe hepatic reaction while on therapy with TORADOL (ketorolac tromethamine). If clinical signs and symptoms consistent with liver disease develop, or if systemic manifestations occur (eg, eosinophilia, rash, etc.), TORADOL (ketorolac tromethamine) should be discontinued.
Hematologic EffectAnemia is sometimes seen in patients receiving NSAIDs, including TORADOL (ketorolac tromethamine). This may be due to fluid retention, occult or gross GI blood loss, or an incompletely described effect upon erythropoiesis. Patients on long-term treatment with NSAIDs, including TORADOL (ketorolac tromethamine) , should have their hemoglobin or hematocrit checked if they exhibit any signs or symptoms of anemia. NSAIDs inhibit platelet aggregation and have been shown to prolong bleeding time in some patients. Unlike aspirin, their effect on platelet function is quantitatively less, of shorter duration, and reversible. Patients receiving TORADOL (ketorolac tromethamine) who may be adversely affected by alterations in platelet function, such as those with coagulation disorders or patients receiving anticoagulants, should be carefully monitored.
Preexisting AsthmaPatients with asthma may have aspirin-sensitive asthma. The use of aspirin in patients with aspirin-sensitive asthma has been associated with severe bronchospasm which can be fatal. Since cross reactivity, including bronchospasm, between aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs has been reported in such aspirin-sensitive patients, TORADOL (ketorolac tromethamine) should not be administered to patients with this form of aspirin sensitivity and should be used with caution in patients with preexisting asthma.
Information for PatientsTORADOL (ketorolac tromethamine) is a potent NSAID and may cause serious side effects such as gastrointestinal bleeding or kidney failure, which may result in hospitalization and even fatal outcome.
Physicians, when prescribing TORADOL (ketorolac tromethamine) , should inform their patients or their guardians of the potential risks of TORADOL treatment (see BOXED WARNING, WARNINGS, PRECAUTIONS, and ADVERSE REACTIONS sections), instruct patients to seek medical advice if they develop treatment-related adverse events, and advise patients not to give TORADOL (ketorolac tromethamine) ORAL to other family members and to discard any unused drug.
Remember that the total combined duration of use of TORADOLORAL and IV or IM dosing of ketorolac tromethamine is not to exceed 5 days in adults. TORADOL (ketorolac tromethamine) ORAL is not indicated for use in pediatric patients.
Patients should be informed of the following information before initiating therapy with an NSAID and periodically during the course of ongoing therapy. Patients should also be encouraged to read the NSAID Medication Guide that accompanies each prescription dispensed.
Because serious GI tract ulcerations and bleeding can occur without warning symptoms, physicians should monitor for signs or symptoms of GI bleeding. Patients on long-term treatment with NSAIDs, should have their CBC and a chemistry profile checked periodically. If clinical signs and symptoms consistent with liver or renal disease develop, systemic manifestations occur (eg, eosinophilia, rash, etc.) or if abnormal liver tests persist or worsen, TORADOL (ketorolac tromethamine) should be discontinued.
Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis and Impairment of FertilityAn 18-month study in mice with oral doses of ketorolac tromethamine at 2 mg/kg/day (0.9 times the human systemic exposure at the recommended IM or IV dose of 30 mg qid, based on area-under-the-plasma-concentration curve [AUC]), and a 24-month study in rats at 5 mg/kg/day (0.5 times the human AUC) showed no evidence of tumorigenicity. Ketorolac tromethamine was not mutagenic in the Ames test, unscheduled DNA synthesis and repair, and in forward mutation assays.
Ketorolac tromethamine did not cause chromosome breakage in the in vivo mouse micronucleus assay. At 1590 μg/mL and at higher concentrations, ketorolac tromethamine increased the incidence of chromosomal aberrations in Chinese hamster ovarian cells.
Impairment of fertility did not occur in male or female rats at oral doses of 9 mg/kg (0.9 times the human AUC) and 16 mg/kg (1.6 times the human AUC) of ketorolac tromethamine, respectively.
Pregnancy Teratogenic Effects: Pregnancy Category CReproduction studies have been performed during organogenesis using daily oral doses of ketorolac tromethamine at 3.6 mg/kg (0.37 times the human AUC) in rabbits and at 10 mg/kg (1.0 times the human AUC) in rats. Results of these studies did not reveal evidence of teratogenicity to the fetus. However, animal reproduction studies are not always predictive of human response.
Nonteratogenic EffectsBecause of the known effects of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs on the fetal cardiovascular system (closure of ductus arteriosus), use during pregnancy (particularly late pregnancy) should be avoided. Oral doses of ketorolac tromethamine at 1.5 mg/kg (0.14 times the human AUC), administered after gestation Day 17, caused dystocia and higher pup mortality in rats.
There are no adequate and well-controlled studies of TORADOL (ketorolac tromethamine) in pregnant women. TORADOL (ketorolac tromethamine) should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.
Labor and DeliveryThe use of TORADOL (ketorolac tromethamine) is contraindicated in labor and delivery because, through its prostaglandin synthesis inhibitory effect, it may adversely affect fetal circulation and inhibit uterine contractions, thus increasing the risk of uterine hemorrhage (see CONTRAINDICATIONS).
Effects on FertilityThe use of ketorolac tromethamine, as with any drug known to inhibit cyclooxygenase/prostaglandin synthesis, may impair fertility and is not recommended in women attempting to conceive. In women who have difficulty conceiving or are undergoing investigation of infertility, withdrawal of ketorolac tromethamine should be considered.
Nursing MothersAfter a single administration of 10 mg of TORADOL (ketorolac tromethamine) ORAL to humans, the maximum milk concentration observed was 7.3 ng/mL, and the maximum milk-to-plasma ratio was 0.037. After 1 day of dosing (qid), the maximum milk concentration was 7.9 ng/mL, and the maximum milk-to-plasma ratio was 0.025. Because of the possible adverse effects of prostaglandin-inhibiting drugs on neonates, use in nursing mothers is contraindicated.
Pediatric UseTORADOL (ketorolac tromethamine) ORAL is not indicated for use in pediatric patients. The safety and effectiveness of TORADOL (ketorolac tromethamine) ORAL in pediatric patients below the age of 17 have not been established.
Geriatric Use ( ≥ 65 years of age)Because ketorolac tromethamine may be cleared more slowly by the elderly (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY) who are also more sensitive to the dose-related adverse effects of NSAIDs (see WARNINGS: Gastrointestinal Effects - Risk of Ulceration, Bleeding, and Perforation), extreme caution, reduced dosages (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION), and careful clinical monitoring must be used when treating the elderly with TORADOL (ketorolac tromethamine).
Adverse reaction rates increase with higher doses of TORADOL (ketorolac tromethamine). Practitioners should be alert for the severe complications of treatment with TORADOL (ketorolac tromethamine) , such as GI ulceration, bleeding and perforation, postoperative bleeding, acute renal failure, anaphylactic and anaphylactoid reactions and liver failure (see BOXED WARNING, WARNINGS, PRECAUTIONS, and DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION). These NSAID-related complications can be serious in certain patients for whom TORADOL (ketorolac tromethamine) is indicated, especially when the drug is used inappropriately.
In patients taking TORADOL (ketorolac tromethamine) or other NSAIDs in clinical trials, the most frequently reported adverse experiences in approximately 1% to 10% of patients are:
| Gastrointestinal (GI) experiences including: | ||
| abdominal pain* | constipation/diarrhea | dyspepsia* |
| flatulence | GI fullness | GI ulcers (gastric/duodenal) |
| gross bleeding/perforation | Heartburn | nausea* |
| stomatitis | Vomiting | |
| Other experiences: | ||
| abnormal renal function | Anemia | dizziness |
| drowsiness | Edema | elevated liver enzymes |
| headaches* | Hypertension | increased bleeding time |
| injection site pain | Pruritus | purpura |
| rashes | Tinnitus | sweating |
| *Incidence greater than 10% | ||
Additional adverse experiences reported occasionally ( < 1% in patients taking TORADOL (ketorolac tromethamine) or other NSAIDs in clinical trials) include:
Body as a Whole: fever, infections, sepsis
Cardiovascular: congestive heart failure, palpitation, pallor, tachycardia, syncope
Dermatologic: alopecia, photosensitivity, urticaria
Gastrointestinal: anorexia, dry mouth, eructation, esophagitis, excessive thirst, gastritis, glossitis, hematemesis, hepatitis, increased appetite, jaundice, melena, rectal bleeding
Hemic and Lymphatic: ecchymosis, eosinophilia, epistaxis, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia
Metabolic and Nutritional: weight change
Nervous System: abnormal dreams, abnormal thinking, anxiety, asthenia, confusion, depression, euphoria, extrapyramidal symptoms, hallucinations, hyperkinesis, inability to concentrate, insomnia, nervousness, paresthesia, somnolence, stupor, tremors, vertigo, malaise
Reproductive, female: infertility
Respiratory: asthma, cough, dyspnea, pulmonary edema, rhinitis
Special Senses: abnormal taste, abnormal vision, blurred vision, hearing loss
Urogenital: cystitis, dysuria, hematuria, increased urinary frequency, interstitial nephritis, oliguria/polyuria, proteinuria, renal failure, urinary retention
Other rarely observed reactions (reported from postmarketing experience in patients taking TORADOL (ketorolac tromethamine) or other NSAIDs) are:
Body as a Whole: angioedema, death, hypersensitivity reactions such as anaphylaxis, anaphylactoid reaction, laryngeal edema, tongue edema (see WARNINGS), myalgia
Cardiovascular: arrhythmia, bradycardia, chest pain, flushing, hypotension, myocardial infarction, vasculitis
Dermatologic: exfoliative dermatitis, erythema multiforme, Lyell's syndrome, bullous reactions including Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis
Gastrointestinal: acute pancreatitis, liver failure, ulcerative stomatitis, exacerbation of inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease)
Hemic and Lymphatic: agranulocytosis, aplastic anemia, hemolytic anemia, lymphadenopathy, pancytopenia, postoperative wound hemorrhage (rarely requiring blood transfusion - see BOXED WARNING, WARNINGS, and PRECAUTIONS)
Metabolic and Nutritional: hyperglycemia, hyperkalemia, hyponatremia
Nervous System: aseptic meningitis, convulsions, coma, psychosis
Respiratory: bronchospasm, respiratory depression, pneumonia
Special Senses: conjunctivitis
Urogenital: flank pain with or without hematuria and/or azotemia, hemolytic uremic syndrome
Postmarketing Surveillance StudyA large postmarketing observational, nonrandomized study, involving approximately 10,000 patients receiving ketorolac tromethamineIV/IM, demonstrated that the risk of clinically serious gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding was dose-dependent (see Tables 3A and 3B). This was particularly true in elderly patients who received an average daily dose greater than 60 mg/day of ketorolac tromethamineIV/IM (see Table 3A).
Table 3 Incidence of Clinically Serious GI Bleeding as Related to Age, Total Daily Dose, and History of GI Perforation, Ulcer, Bleeding (PUB) After up to 5 Days of Treatment With Ketorolac TromethamineIV/IMA.
| A. Adult Patients Without History of PUB | ||||
| Age of Patients | Total Daily Dose of Ketorolac TromethamineIV/IM | |||
| ≤ 60 mg | > 60 to 90 mg | > 90 to 120 mg | > 120 mg | |
| < 65 years of age | 0.4% | 0.4% | 0.9% | 4.6% |
| ≥ 65 years of age | 1.2% | 2.8% | 2.2% | 7.7% |
| B. Adult Patients With History of PUB | ||||
| Age of Patients | Total Daily Dose of Ketorolac TromethamineIV/IM | |||
| ≤ 60 mg | > 60 to 90 mg | > 90 to 120 mg | > 120 mg | |
| < 65 years of age | 2.1% | 4.6% | 7.8% | 15.4% |
| ≥ 65 years of age | 4.7% | 3.7% | 2.8% | 25.0% |
Ketorolac is highly bound to human plasma protein (mean 99.2%). There is no evidence in animal or human studies that TORADOL (ketorolac tromethamine) induces or inhibits hepatic enzymes capable of metabolizing itself or other drugs.
Warfarin, Digoxin, Salicylate, and HeparinThe in vitro binding of warfarin to plasma proteins is only slightly reduced by ketorolac tromethamine (99.5% control vs 99.3%) when ketorolac plasma concentrations reach 5 to 10 μg/mL. Ketorolac does not alter digoxin protein binding. In vitro studies indicate that, at therapeutic concentrations of salicylate (300 μg/mL), the binding of ketorolac was reduced from approximately 99.2% to 97.5%, representing a potential twofold increase in unbound ketorolac plasma levels. Therapeutic concentrations of digoxin, warfarin, ibuprofen, naproxen, piroxicam, acetaminophen, phenytoin and tolbutamide did not alter ketorolac tromethamine protein binding.
In a study involving 12 adult volunteers, TORADOL (ketorolac tromethamine) ORAL was coadministered with a single dose of 25 mg warfarin, causing no significant changes in pharmacokinetics or pharmacodynamics of warfarin. In another study, ketorolac tromethamine dosed IV or IM was given with two doses of 5000 U of heparin to 11 healthy volunteers, resulting in a mean template bleeding time of 6.4 minutes (3.2 to 11.4 min) compared to a mean of 6.0 minutes (3.4 to 7.5 min) for heparin alone and 5.1 minutes (3.5 to 8.5 min) for placebo. Although these results do not indicate a significant interaction between TORADOL (ketorolac tromethamine) and warfarin or heparin, the administration of TORADOL (ketorolac tromethamine) to patients taking anticoagulants should be done extremely cautiously, and patients should be closely monitored (see WARNINGS and PRECAUTIONS: Hematologic Effect).
The effects of warfarin and NSAIDs, in general, on GI bleeding are synergistic, such that the users of both drugs together have a risk of serious GI bleeding higher than the users of either drug alone.
AspirinWhen TORADOL (ketorolac tromethamine) is administered with aspirin, its protein binding is reduced, although the clearance of free TORADOL (ketorolac tromethamine) is not altered. The clinical significance of this interaction is not known; however, as with other NSAIDs, concomitant administration of ketorolac tromethamine and aspirin is not generally recommended because of the potential of increased adverse effects.
DiureticsClinical studies, as well as postmarketing observations, have shown that TORADOL (ketorolac tromethamine) can reduce the natriuretic effect of furosemide and thiazides in some patients. This response has been attributed to inhibition of renal prostaglandin synthesis. During concomitant therapy with NSAIDs, the patient should be observed closely for signs of renal failure (see WARNINGS: Renal Effects), as well as to assure diuretic efficacy.
ProbenecidConcomitant administration of TORADOL (ketorolac tromethamine) ORAL and probenecid resulted in decreased clearance and volume of distribution of ketorolac and significant increases in ketorolac plasma levels (total AUC increased approximately threefold from 5.4 to 17.8 μg/h/mL) and terminal half-life increased approximately twofold from 6.6 to 15.1 hours. Therefore, concomitant use of TORADOL (ketorolac tromethamine) and probenecid is contraindicated.
LithiumNSAIDs have produced an elevation of plasma lithium levels and a reduction in renal lithium clearance. The mean minimum lithium concentration increased 15% and the renal clearance was decreased by approximately 20%. These effects have been attributed to inhibition of renal prostaglandin synthesis by the NSAID. Thus, when NSAIDs and lithium are administered concurrently, subjects should be observed carefully for signs of lithium toxicity.
MethotrexateNSAIDs have been reported to competitively inhibit methotrexate accumulation in rabbit kidney slices. This may indicate that they could enhance the toxicity of methotrexate. Caution should be used when NSAIDs are administered concomitantly with methotrexate.
ACE Inhibitors/Angiotension II Receptor AntagonistsConcomitant use of ACE inhibitors and/or angiotension II receptor antagonists may increase the risk of renal impairment, particularly in volume-depleted patients.
Reports suggest that NSAIDs may diminish the antihypertensive effect of ACE inhibitors and/or angiotension II receptor antagonists. This interaction should be given consideration in patients taking NSAIDs concomitantly with ACE inhibitors and/or angiotension II receptor antagonists.
Antiepileptic DrugsSporadic cases of seizures have been reported during concomitant use of TORADOL (ketorolac tromethamine) and antiepileptic drugs (phenytoin, carbamazepine).
Psychoactive DrugsHallucinations have been reported when TORADOL (ketorolac tromethamine) was used in patients taking psychoactive drugs (fluoxetine, thiothixene, alprazolam).
PentoxifyllineWhen ketorolac tromethamine is administered concurrently with pentoxifylline, there is an increased tendency to bleeding.
Nondepolarizing Muscle RelaxantsIn postmarketing experience there have been reports of a possible interaction between ketorolac tromethamineIV/IM and nondepolarizing muscle relaxants that resulted in apnea. The concurrent use of ketorolac tromethamine with muscle relaxants has not been formally studied.
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)There is an increased risk of gastrointestinal bleeding when selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are combined with NSAIDs. Caution should be used when NSAIDs are administered concomitantly with SSRIs.
Toradol is used for the management of pain. As a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory product, it falls within a broader category of medications used in analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic roles, and ketorolac is also formulated in some markets as an ophthalmologic agent. The structured indication section further down this page lists each registered use in the markets where Toradol carries marketing authorisation.
The active ingredient in Toradol is ketorolac, classified within the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory category and used for its analgesic properties. Ketorolac circulates internationally under several brand names and in different formulations, including oral, injectable, and ophthalmic preparations depending on the regulatory market. The molecule itself is the same wherever it is sold, even when the brand name on the packaging differs.
Toradol carries marketing authorisation in 17 countries, spread across several regions rather than concentrated in one. Representative markets include Canada, Spain, Russia, the Philippines, Australia, Norway, and Bangladesh. If your country is not represented in this list, a local pharmacist can usually confirm whether ketorolac is available domestically, either under a different brand name or as a generic product.
Ketorolac is sold under several brand names internationally, particularly in markets where the original patent has long expired and multiple manufacturers produce ketorolac products in parallel. Other medications within the broader nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory class are also widely available worldwide, although molecules within a class are not freely interchangeable. To identify a local ketorolac product, search the active ingredient on Pill2Trip or ask a pharmacist.
Yes. Toradol is a prescription medication in most markets where it is registered, and ketorolac in particular is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory whose use is calibrated to the individual patient and clinical situation. This matters especially for travellers and people relocating between countries, since prescription pathways, formulations, and brand availability differ between regulatory regimes. Any decision to start, stop, or substitute should involve a healthcare provider.
