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Dictionary · Drug

ketorolac

A strong NSAID pain drug, given by injection, by mouth or as a nasal spray, for short-term moderate to severe pain.

KEE-toh-roh-lak nounBoxed warningBeers Criteria

What it means

A nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugnon-STAIR-oy-dul an-tee-in-FLAM-uh-tor-ee DRUGA drug that relieves pain, fever and inflammation and is not a steroid, such as ibuprofen or naproxen.non- notanti- againstinflamm/o inflammationFull entry with pain relief close to some opioids, often used after surgery. Because of its risks, the total course by all routes is limited to 5 days. It can cause stomach bleeding, kidney injury and bleeding problems, and raises heart attack and stroke risk.

For the nurse

Check kidney function, bleeding risk and fluid status before giving, and watch urine output. Do not give with other NSAIDs or aspirin. Older adults and clients with kidney disease are at higher risk. Track the number of days used.

At a glance

Drug classNSAID (analgesic)
Brand namesToradol, Sprix
Spanishketorolaco
Also writtenToradol, Sprix

Easy to confuse with

tramadol

An opioid pain drug, taken by mouth, for moderate to severe pain.

ketamine

A dissociative anesthetic drug used for anesthesia, procedural sedation and some kinds of pain.

methadone

A long-acting opioid drug used to treat opioid use disorder and severe pain.

Related terms

analgesic

A drug that relieves pain.

nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug

A drug that relieves pain, fever and inflammation and is not a steroid, such as ibuprofen or naproxen.

ibuprofen

A drug that eases pain, fever and inflammation; a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug.

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