- that what I am providing is NOT meant in any way to replace the conversation between you, your doctor, or your pharmacist
- please do not self-diagnose or make medical decisions about this drug without talking with qualified professionals
- the information provided here is the reference sheet you would find at WebMD. During my journey I found this site to be helpful in providing support. All credit for this information belongs to them. I copied it right from their website and I have removed the hyper-links. Please visit their site if you would like to read further.
For this installment, I have chosen Toradol
GENERIC NAME(S): KETOROLAC TROMETHAMINE
Uses: Ketorolac is used for the short-term treatment of moderate to severe pain in adults. It is usually used before or after medical procedures or after surgery. Reducing pain helps you recover more comfortably so that you can return to your normal daily activities. This medication is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It works by blocking your body's production of certain natural substances that cause inflammation. This effect helps to decrease swelling, pain, or fever.
Ketorolac should not be used for mild or long-term painful conditions (such as arthritis).
**Please read this information carefully**
If you have any questions about what is provided here....talk with your doctor or pharmacist please.
Uses
Ketorolac is used for the short-term treatment of moderate to severe pain in adults. It is usually used before or after medical procedures or after surgery. Reducing pain helps you recover more comfortably so that you can return to your normal daily activities. This medication is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It works by blocking your body's production of certain natural substances that cause inflammation. This effect helps to decrease swelling, pain, or fever.
Ketorolac should not be used for mild or long-term painful conditions (such as arthritis).
How to use Toradol
Read the Medication Guide and, if available, the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start taking ketorolac and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Take this medication by mouth, usually every 4 to 6 hours with a full glass of water (8 ounces or 240 milliliters), or as directed by your doctor. Do not lie down for at least 10 minutes after taking this drug. If stomach upset occurs while taking this medication, take it with food, milk, or an antacid.
Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. To reduce your risk of stomach bleeding and other side effects, take this medication at the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible time. Do not increase your dose, take it more frequently, or take it for longer than 5 days. If you still have pain after 5 days, talk with your doctor about other medications you may use. Do not take more than 40 milligrams in a 24-hour period.
If you are taking this drug "as needed" (not on a regular schedule), remember that pain medications work best if they are used as the first signs of pain occur. If you wait until the pain has worsened, the medicine may not work as well.
Tell your doctor if your condition worsens or if your pain is not relieved.
Side Effects See also Warning section.
Upset stomach, nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, gas, dizziness, or drowsiness may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: fainting, fast/pounding heartbeat, hearing changes (such as ringing in the ears), mental/mood changes (such as confusion, depression), persistent/severe headache, stomach pain, sudden/unexplained weight gain, swelling of the hands or feet, vision changes (such as blurred vision), unusual tiredness.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but serious side effects occur: easy bruising/bleeding, change in amount of urine, signs of infection (such as fever, chills, persistent sore throat), symptoms of meningitis (such as unexplained stiff neck, fever).
This drug may rarely cause serious (possibly fatal) liver disease. Seek immediate medical attention if you have any symptoms of liver damage, including: dark urine, stomach/abdominal pain, persistent nausea/vomiting, yellowing eyes/skin.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
TORADOL Side Effects List
Toradol side effects by likelihood and severity. The following side effects are associated with Toradol:
Common side effects of Toradol:
· Visible Water Retention Severe
· Diarrhea Less Severe
· Dizzy Less Severe
· Drowsiness Less Severe
· Feel Like Throwing Up Less Severe
· Head Pain Less Severe
· Irritation of the Inside of the Nose Less Severe
· Stomach Cramps Less Severe
Infrequent side effects of Toradol:
· Hemorrhage Severe
· High Blood Pressure Severe
· Hives Severe
· Inflammation of Skin caused by an Allergy Severe
· Itching Severe
· Painful, Red or Swollen Mouth Severe
· Rash Severe
· Reaction due to an Allergy Severe
· Excessive Sweating Less Severe
· Gas Less Severe
· Heartburn Less Severe
· Incomplete or Infrequent Bowel Movements Less Severe
· Indigestion Less Severe
· Ringing in the Ears Less Severe
· Throwing Up Less Severe
Rare side effects of Toradol:
· A Rupture in the Wall of the Stomach or Intestine Severe
· Abnormal Liver Function Tests Severe
· Acute Peptic Ulcer with Bleeding Severe
· Acute Peptic Ulcer with Puncture, Tear or Hole Severe
· Anemia Severe
· Asthma Severe
· Azotemia Severe
· Black Tarry Stools Severe
· Bleeding from Wound Severe
· Bleeding of the Stomach or Intestines Severe
· Blood coming from Anus Severe
· Bloody Urine Severe
· Bronchospasm Severe
· Burning Stomach Severe
· Chest Pain Severe
· Chronic Heart Failure Severe
· Decreased Blood Platelets Severe
· Decreased White Blood Cells Severe
· Feeling Faint Severe
· Fluid in the Lungs Severe
· Giant Hives Severe
· Hallucination Severe
· Heart Attack Severe
· Hepatitis Severe
· Increased Eosinophils in the Blood Severe
· Infection Severe
· Inflammation of the Esophagus Severe
· Kidney Damage Severe
· Kidney Failure Severe
· Kidney Inflammation Severe
· Kidney Problems Causing a Decreased Amount of Urine to be Passed Severe
· Large Purple or Brown Skin Blotches Severe
· Life Threatening Allergic Reaction Severe
· Nosebleed Severe
· Pain in the Area of the Abdomen Severe
· Seizures Severe
· Skin Rash with Sloughing Severe
· Stevens-Johnson Syndrome Severe
· Stomach or Intestinal Ulcer Severe
· Stroke Severe
· Sudden Worsening of Ulcerative Colitis Severe
· Swollen Tongue Severe
· Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis Severe
· Trouble Breathing Severe
· Ulcer from Stomach Acid Severe
· Vocal Cord Swelling Severe
· Water Retention Severe
· Yellowing of Skin or Eyes from Liver Problems Severe
· Burping Less Severe
· Depression Less Severe
· Excessive Thirst Less Severe
· Fast Heartbeat Less Severe
· Fever Less Severe
· Hair Loss Less Severe
· Heart Throbbing or Pounding Less Severe
· Hemorrhage of Blood Under the Skin Less Severe
· Loss of Appetite Less Severe
· Loss of Skin Color Less Severe
· Nervous Less Severe
Precautions
Before taking ketorolac, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to aspirin or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs-NSAIDs (such as ibuprofen, naproxen, celecoxib); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before taking this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: asthma (including a history of worsening breathing after taking aspirin or other NSAIDs), bleeding or clotting problems, blood disorders (such as anemia), heart disease (such as previous heart attack), high blood pressure, liver disease, growths in the nose (nasal polyps), throat/stomach/intestinal problems (such as bleeding, heartburn, ulcers), stroke, swelling of the ankles/feet/hands.
Kidney problems can sometimes occur with the use of NSAID medications, including ketorolac. Problems are more likely to occur if you are dehydrated, have heart failure or kidney disease, are an older adult, or if you take certain medications (see also Drug Interactions section). Drink plenty of fluids as directed by your doctor to prevent dehydration and tell your doctor right away if you have any unusual change in the amount of urine.
This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Avoid alcoholic beverages.
This medicine may cause stomach/intestinal bleeding. Daily use of alcohol and tobacco, especially when combined with this medicine, may increase your risk for stomach bleeding. Limit alcohol and stop smoking. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
This medication may infrequently make you more sensitive to the sun. Avoid prolonged sun exposure, tanning booths, and sunlamps. Use a sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors.
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).
Older adults may be more sensitive to the effects of the drug, especially bleeding in the stomach/intestines or kidney problems. Using high doses for a long time may increase this risk.
Before using this medication, women of childbearing age should talk with their doctor(s) about the benefits and risks (such as miscarriage, trouble getting pregnant). Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or if you plan to become pregnant. During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. It is not recommended for use during the first and last trimesters of pregnancy due to possible harm to the unborn baby and interference with normal labor/delivery.
This medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Interactions
Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
Some products that may interact with this drug include: aliskiren, ACE inhibitors (such as captopril, lisinopril), angiotensin II receptor blockers (such as losartan, valsartan), lithium, methotrexate, probenecid, corticosteroids (such as prednisone), other medications that may affect the kidneys (including cidofovir, "water pills"/diuretics such as furosemide).
This medication may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with other drugs that also may cause bleeding. Examples include anti-platelet drugs such as clopidogrel, "blood thinners" such as dabigatran/enoxaparin/warfarin, among others.
Check all prescription and nonprescription medicine labels carefully since many medications contain pain relievers/fever reducers (aspirin, NSAIDs such as ibuprofen or naproxen). These drugs are similar to ketorolac and may increase your risk of side effects if taken together. However, if your doctor has directed you to take low-dose aspirin to prevent heart attack or stroke (usually at dosages of 81-325 milligrams a day), you should continue taking the aspirin unless your doctor instructs you otherwise. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details.
Overdose
If overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: severe stomach pain, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, extreme drowsiness, slow/shallow breathing.
Notes
Do not share this medication with others.
Laboratory and/or medical tests (including kidney function tests) may be performed to check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.
This medication has been prescribed for your current condition only. Do not use it later for another condition unless your doctor directs you to do so. A different medication may be necessary in that case.
Missed Dose
If you are taking this medication on a regular schedule (not just "as needed") and you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
Storage
Store at room temperature between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.
Information last revised April 2015. Copyright(c) 2015 First Databank, Inc.