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Ketorolac

Ketorolac is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug used systemically for short-term acute pain or as eye drops for selected ocular inflammation. The formulations are not interchangeable.

Toradol

Acute Pain

10mg

Ketorolac 10mg tablets, used for short-term management of moderate acute pain. An NSAID that blocks the cyclooxygenase enzymes.

From$0.53/ tabletView

Acular

Conjunctivitis, Ocular Inflammation, Acute Pain

0.4%

Ketorolac 0.4% eye drops, used for conjunctivitis, ocular inflammation and short-term ocular pain. An NSAID that blocks prostaglandin synthesis in the eye.

From$10.63/ bottleView

Key points

  • Systemic ketorolac is limited to short-term acute pain because serious stomach, bleeding and kidney risks rise with continued use.
  • Ketorolac should not be combined with another NSAID, and eye drops should be used only for the diagnosed eye condition.
  • Vomiting blood, black stools, very low urine output, severe eye pain or sudden vision change needs urgent care.

Listings are for comparison only. Suitability and supply depend on clinician and pharmacy checks, stock, destination rules and prescription requirements.

What Ketorolac is used for

Systemic ketorolac may be used for short-term management of acute pain or moderate acute pain. Ophthalmic ketorolac may be prescribed for selected ocular inflammation; it is not a general treatment for every red eye or conjunctivitis.

How the forms differ

Tablets or injections expose the whole body and carry systemic NSAID risks. Eye drops act locally but can delay corneal healing or increase bleeding risk in susceptible eyes.

Important safety checks

Ulcer or bleeding history, kidney disease, dehydration, anticoagulants, pregnancy, asthma triggered by NSAIDs and recent surgery can affect suitability. Do not combine systemic ketorolac with aspirin or another NSAID unless specifically directed.

When to seek urgent care

Seek urgent help for vomiting blood, black or bloody stools, severe abdominal pain, fainting, facial swelling, breathing difficulty, very low urine output, sudden vision change, severe eye pain or worsening redness after eye injury or surgery.

Further reading