Ketorolac — a practical guide to pain relief, dosing, and safety

Ketorolac is a strong nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used for short-term management of moderate to severe pain. It works well after surgeries or for sudden injuries, but it isn’t meant for long-term use. Because it’s powerful, there are real risks you need to know before taking it.

How ketorolac is used and dosed

Ketorolac comes as tablets, injections (IM or IV), and sometimes nasal forms. Typical adult oral dosing is 10 mg every 4–6 hours as needed, with a maximum of 40 mg per day. For injectable use, common doses are 15–30 mg every 6 hours. Don’t use ketorolac for more than 5 days total (this includes all forms). That short window limits risks like bleeding and kidney problems.

If you have reduced kidney function, are elderly, or weigh less than average, your doctor may lower the dose or choose a different medicine. Never combine ketorolac with other NSAIDs (like ibuprofen or naproxen) — that raises bleeding and stomach risk without extra benefit.

Safety, side effects, and buying tips

Common side effects include stomach pain, heartburn, headache, dizziness, and swelling. Serious risks are bleeding (especially in the stomach), kidney damage, and increased heart problems in some people. If you notice black stools, severe belly pain, sudden shortness of breath, or reduced urine, seek medical help right away.

Avoid ketorolac if you have active peptic ulcer disease, recent bleeding, severe kidney disease, or if you’re within 24 hours before or after major surgery (it’s specifically not recommended around heart bypass surgery). Also skip it if you’re allergic to aspirin or have aspirin-sensitive asthma.

Interactions matter: ketorolac can increase bleeding risk with blood thinners (warfarin, apixaban), SSRIs/SNRIs, and some herbal supplements. It can reduce the kidney-protecting effects of ACE inhibitors or ARBs and worsen kidney effects when combined with diuretics. Tell your prescriber about all medicines you take.

Want to buy ketorolac online? Only use legitimate pharmacies that require a prescription and list a verifiable address and phone number. Don’t fall for sites that sell prescription drugs without asking for a prescription or offer suspiciously low prices. When in doubt, ask your doctor or a licensed pharmacist. If you’re ordering from abroad, check local rules — some countries restrict ketorolac more tightly.

Short version: ketorolac is effective for short bursts of pain relief but comes with strong safety limits. Use only as directed, watch for bleeding or kidney issues, and always get it from a licensed pharmacy after consulting your healthcare provider.