What is Toradol used for?

During hospitalization, the doctor may give you Toradol o treat severe pain like migraine. Also, the doctor may suggest this tablet post-surgery.

Ketorolac is the generic name of Toradol. It is a prescription NSAID (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug). It helps treat moderate to severe pain by decreasing the hormones causing pain, fever, and inflammation. It is either narcotic or addictive. It is meant for use for 5 days or less only.

What is Toradol (Ketorolac) used for?

You can take Ketorolac 10 mg tablet orally. It is normally consumed every 4-6 hours as per the schedule or as-needed basis to eradicate the pain. If you are using this tablet according to a fixed schedule, take the tablet at the same time daily. 

Check the directions given on the label properly or ask your medical expert/pharmacist to tell you how to take it. The first dose of this medicine is injection via an IV. These tablets may be recommended for oral consumption at home.

This tablet is used for offering pain relief in conditions like

• Kidney stones
• Low back pain
• Sickle cell crises
• Severe migraine/tension headache

Toradol 10 mg is effective enough to provide relief in moderate to severe pain and is used as a short-term treatment. You can see the results in as less as 15 minutes after injecting this medicine. This medicine will not treat prolonged pain like arthritis as it comes with some severe side effects. It elevates the risk of heart stroke/heart attack and can result in kidney failure if taken for more than 5 days.

How to determine the dosage of Toradol?

This medicine needs a doctor’s prescription and is not an OTC medicine. It is available in the form of injections and tablets. The dosage depends on your health condition and how you respond to the treatment. To cut down the risk of stomach bleeding or related side effects, use Toradol tablet at the lowest possible dose for a shorter span. Avoid taking this tablet in higher doses by using it frequently and taking it for 5-plus days.

If you experience pain even after 5 days of taking this tablet, discuss with your medical expert other drugs you can use. Your medical expert will recommend Ketorolac oral tablets only if you have started with Ketorolac injections during hospitalization. It means oral tablets are given after injections as extended treatment at home to manage pain.

What are other things I should learn about this tablet?

Certainly, tablet form is available but it is necessary to get a Toradol injection first either IV or IM. In short, if you get a Toradol injection during a hospital stay and you wish to keep using it for a couple of days, you can opt for tablets after returning home from the hospital.

The overall period of getting an injection and taking tablets of Toradol should not exceed 5 days. The doses of this tablet vary from person to person. You can take it orally 4-6 times a day. Ketorolac 10mg is the ideal dose and avoid taking it at a dose of more than 40mg per day.

Can this tablet cause any side effects?

This tablet can give rise to some side effects. You need to your medical expert if the symptoms persist for longer or do not vanish.

• Dizziness
• Headache
• Drowsiness
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Gas
• Sweating
• Mouth sores

Are there any possible drug interactions?

This tablet can have drug interactions like any other medicine. It can interact with

• Blood thinner
• Antiprogestational steroids
• Pain killers
• Uricosuric
• Antipsychotic agent

What are the key points I need to take care of before using Toradol 10mg tablet?

Ketorolac 10mg can elevate the chances of heart stroke/heart attack mainly if you take it long-term or in high doses or if you are having heart problems. Avoid using this tablet before or after heart bypass surgery (CABG or coronary artery bypass graft).

Avoid using this tablet if you are allergic to it or if you have the following conditions:

• A blood-clotting or bleeding disorder
• Recent stomach ulcer, intestinal bleeding, or stomach bleeding
• Bleeding after a current surgical procedure
• Bleeding in the brain or a sealed head injury
• Severe dehydration or kidney disease
• Severe allergy or asthma after taking an NSAID
• You are in the last phase of pregnancy or you are lactating

What are the things you need to avoid while taking Toradol?

• Do not drink alcohol. It can elevate the threat of stomach bleeding.
•  Ask a pharmacist/doctor before using other drugs for fever, swelling pain, or symptoms of cold/flu. They may comprise ingredients the same as Ketorolac.

Helpful Advice for Toradol from experts

• A doctor has prescribed this tablet to relieve inflammation and relieve pain.
• Take this tablet with milk or food to avoid stomach upset.
• Take it according to the duration & dose recommended by the medical expert.
• Using it in the long term can result in severe complications like kidney problems and stomach bleeding.
• It can result in drowsiness, visual disturbances, or dizziness. So, ensure that drive or perform other tasks with caution.
• Do not drink alcohol while taking this tablet as it can lead to extreme drowsiness & elevate the chance of stomach problems.
• Tell your medical expert if you have a history of heart stroke or heart disease.
• Your medical expert may check your kidney, liver function, and blood components regularly if you are using this tablet for the long term.

Ketorolac tablets are used as follow-up treatment. In adults, the initial dose is 20mg and then 10mg after every 4-6 hours. Do not try to adjust the dose without asking the medical expert. These tablets are not advisable for children and for chronic or minor painful conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Ketorolac 10mg (Toradol) safe?

If you use this tablet as per the prescription that is in the correct dose & duration, it is safe. Do not miss any dose and take it exactly as your medical expert tells you. Following the doctor’s instructions is necessary and if you observe any side effects that are bothering you, discuss them with your medical expert immediately.

Is Toradol a steroid or an antibiotic?

This tablet is neither a steroid nor an antibiotic medicine. It is part of the NSAID group of drugs that helps eliminate moderate to severe inflammation and pain.

How does the Toradol tablet work?

This tablet hinders the production of some chemical messengers that can cause inflammation and pain. Hence, it offers relief from severe pain.

Will the Toradol tablet hinder my fertility?

This tablet may affect your fertility. Hence, it is not advisable for women who are planning pregnancy. Make sure you check with your doctor for any doubts.

Conclusion

Toradol provides significant relief from moderate-severe pain and is an effective short-term treatment for pain. Since there are contradictions related to this tablet with some health conditions, you need to check with your medical expert if you can take this tablet. You should discuss with your healthcare provider if you have any other health issues and if you are taking medicines for them. It will help the healthcare provider decide whether this tablet is safe for you.