Ketorolac Tromethamine



Acular®; Acular LS™; Acular® PF; Toradol®







Ketorolac Tromethamine

(KEE toe role ak troe METH a meen)

U.S. Brand Names
Acular®; Acular LS™; Acular® PF; Toradol®
Canadian Brand Names
Acular®; Acular LS™; Apo-Ketorolac®; Apo-Ketorolac Injectable®; Ketorolac Tromethamine Injection, USP; Novo-Ketorolac; ratio-Ketorolac; Toradol®; Toradol® IM
Pharmacologic Category
Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug (NSAID), Ophthalmic; Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug (NSAID), Oral; Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug (NSAID), Parenteral
What key warnings should I know about before taking this medicine?
  • This medicine is only to be used for 5 days total. It is for severe, short-term pain. It may cause severe side effects if taken longer than 5 days. Let healthcare provider know if you have ulcer disease, kidney disease, a risk of bleeding or any active bleeding, allergies to ketorolac, aspirin, or any other pain medicine. Do not take if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. Tell healthcare provider if you are 65 years of age or older or weigh less than 110 pounds.
  • Please read the medication guide given to you.
Reasons not to take this medicine
  • If you have an allergy to ketorolac tromethamine or any other part of this medicine.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.
  • If you have any of the following conditions: Bleeding in the brain, bleeding problems, hole in the gastrointestinal tract, kidney disease, nasal polyps, recent gastrointestinal bleeding, ulcer disease, or use before major surgery.
  • If you are taking any of these medicines: Aspirin, probenecid, or any nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).
  • If you are more than 24 weeks pregnant.
  • If you are breast-feeding.
What is this medicine used for?
  • This medicine is used to relieve pain.
  • This medicine is used to treat eye inflammation.
How does it work?
  • Ketorolac tromethamine blocks production and release of chemicals that cause pain and inflammation.
How is it best taken?
  • Oral:
  • Take this medicine with or without food. Take with food if it causes an upset stomach.
  • Eye:
  • For the eye only.
  • Take out contact lenses before using medicine. Lenses can be replaced 15 minutes after medicine is given. Do not put contacts back in if eyes are irritated or infected.
  • Do not touch the container tip to the eye, lid, or other skin.
  • Tilt head back and drop medicine into eye.
  • After using medicine, keep your eyes closed. Apply pressure to the inside corner of the eye. Do this for 3-5 minutes. This keeps the medicine in your eye.
  • Separate each eye medicine by 5 minutes.
What do I do if I miss a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)
  • Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
  • If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.
  • Do not take a double dose or extra doses.
What are the precautions when taking this medicine?
  • Oral:
  • Do not use this medicine for more than 5 days.
  • If you are 65 or older or weigh less than 110 pound, you may need a smaller dose. You could have more side effects.
  • If you have high blood pressure, talk with healthcare provider.
  • If you have a weakened heart, talk with healthcare provider.
  • Tell dentists, surgeons, and other healthcare providers that you use this medicine.
  • Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.
  • Talk with healthcare provider before using aspirin, aspirin-containing products, other pain medicines, blood thinners, garlic, ginseng, ginkgo, or vitamin E.
  • Avoid alcohol (includes wine, beer, and liquor).
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.
What are some possible side effects of this medicine?
  • Headache.
  • Belly pain.
  • Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard, sugar-free candy, or chewing sugar-free gum may help.
  • Diarrhea.
  • Eye irritation.
What should I monitor?
  • Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?
  • Take good care of your teeth. See a dentist regularly.
  • Follow up with healthcare provider.
Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately
  • If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center immediately or dial 911.
  • Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
  • Severe nausea or vomiting.
  • Severe belly pain.
  • Swelling of feet or hands.
  • Significant weight gain.
  • Black, tarry, or bloody stools.
  • Blood in the urine.
  • Severe diarrhea.
  • Unusual bruising or bleeding.
  • Sudden change in vision, eye pain or irritation.
  • Any rash.
  • No improvement in condition or feeling worse.
How should I store this medicine?
  • Store at room temperature.
  • Protect from light.
  • Protect tablets from moisture. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.
General statements
  • If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.
  • Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
  • Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).
  • Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.
Brand Names: