Category- Allopathy
Medicine Highlights
| Uses | 1. To treat post-operative pain (after surgery) 2. To treat severe muscle or joint pain 3. To treat acute injury-related pain 4. To treat severe back pain 5. To treat kidney stone pain 6. To treat severe dental pain |
| Common Side Effects | 1. Nausea 2. Vomiting 3. Stomach pain 4. Indigestion 5. Diarrhea 6. Dizziness 7. Drowsiness 8. Headache 9. Injection site pain |
| Additional Information | To keep you safe and healthy, use this medicine only with your doctor’s guidance. |
| Storage | 1. The medicine should be stored at room temperature. 2. Keep away from sunlight and moisture. 3. Keep away from the reach of children. |
| How to Take This Medicine | This medicine is given through injection by doctor. |
Ketorolac Uses
Ketorolac 30 mg/ml is a pain-relieving medicine that belongs to the class of Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs). It is used for short-term management of moderate to severe pain in conditions such as:
- Post-operative pain
- Severe muscle and joint pain
- Severe back pain
- Pain due to injury
- Kidney stone pain
- Severe dental pain
Directions for use
- Take this medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor, at the same time each day.
- Do not stop taking this medicine without your doctor’s approval, even if you feel better.
- If you forget to take this medicine, take it as soon as you remember. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose.
Ketorolac side effects
More Common
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Stomach pain
- Indigestion
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Headache
- Injection site pain
Less common
- Severe stomach pain
- Stomach ulcer or bleeding (black stools or blood in vomit)
- Swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Breathing difficulty
- Chest pain
- Increased blood pressure
- Reduced urine output (kidney problems)
- Severe allergic reaction
How Ketorolac works
Ketorolac works by reducing the production of prostaglandins which are responsible for pain, swelling, and fever. When these chemicals are reduced, the pain decreases. As a result, it helps relieve mild to moderate body aches effectively.
Safety Measures and Warning
Allergy/Hypercreativity
If you are allergic to ketorolac, inform your doctor before using as it may cause serious allergic reactions such as skin rash, swelling of the face or throat, or breathing difficulty.
Stomach Problems
If you have a history of stomach ulcer or bleeding, use this medicine only under medical supervision as it may increase the risk of stomach bleeding.
Kidney Disease
People with kidney problems should use this medicine only after consulting a doctor as this medicine may reduce blood flow to the kidneys and worsen kidney function
Liver Disease
Inform your doctor if you have liver problems before taking this medicine as it may affect liver function and increase liver enzyme levels.
Heart Disease
Patients with high blood pressure or heart problems should use this medicine under doctor supervision as this medicine may alter blood pressure levels.
Pregnancy
Avoid using this medicine during the last three months of pregnancy unless advised by a doctor.
Ketorolac Interaction with other Medicines
Avoid taking Ketorolac with the following medicines, as it may increase or decrease the desired effect, or in worse cases, it could be fatal:
Ketorolac Interaction with Food Products
Ketorolac injection is not affected much by food since it is given as an injection.
Storage
- The medicine should be stored at room temperature.
- Keep away from sunlight and moisture.
- Keep away from the reach of children.
Ketorolac Chemical Structure
IUPAC (International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry)/ Chemical name
Ketorolac: 5-benzoyl-2,3-dihydro-1H-pyrrolizine-1-carboxylic acid

Intake routine/cycle
Daily Dose
Take Ketorolac exactly as your doctor recommends. The dose may change based on your condition and how well you respond. Do not take more than prescribed without consulting your doctor.
Missed Dose
If you forget to take your medicine, take the medication as soon as you remember. If it’s nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed one and continue with your regular schedule. Always consult the doctor before making any changes to your dosage.
Overdose
Do not take ketorolac more than 40 mg/day. Overdose may cause severe stomach pain, vomiting, dizziness, drowsiness, stomach bleeding, or kidney problems. Seek immediate medical help if overdose symptoms occur.
Ketorolac Summary
Ketorolac 30mg/ml is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used for short-term relief of moderate to severe pain, especially after surgery, injury, kidney stones, or severe dental procedures. It works by blocking certain chemicals in the body that cause pain, swelling, and inflammation. Ketorolac is usually given as an injection or taken orally for a short duration (not more than 5 days) to reduce the risk of serious side effects.
Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, dizziness, and drowsiness, while serious risks may include stomach bleeding, kidney problems, or allergic reactions. It should be used only under medical supervision.
FAQ’s
What are the uses of Ketorolac?
Ketorolac is used for short-term management of moderate to severe pain, especially after surgery, injury, kidney stones, or severe dental pain.
What are the side effects of Ketorolac?
Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, dizziness, and drowsiness; serious side effects may include stomach bleeding, kidney problems, allergic reactions, and breathing difficulty.
What is the mechanism of action of Ketorolac?
Ketorolac works by blocking cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, which reduces the production of chemicals in the body that cause pain, swelling, and inflammation.
What is the drug class of Ketorolac?
Ketorolac belongs to the class of Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs).
Reference
- PubChem. Ketorolac [Internet]. pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. Available from
- Ketorolac Dosage Guide + Max Dose, Adjustments [Internet]. Drugs.com. Available from
- Mahmoodi AN, Kim PY. Ketorolac [Internet]. PubMed. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022. Available from
- Mayo Clinic. Ketorolac (Oral Route, Injection Route) Description and Brand Names – Mayo Clinic [Internet]. www.mayoclinic.org. 2025. Available from

Pranathi is a final year Pharm D student at Chalapathi Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences. She loves learning and applying her knowledge in pharmacy and has a passion for writing, which allows her to express ideas clearly and creatively. She enjoys combining her technical skills with her love for writing and communication to make a meaningful impact. Currently she is working on a research paper about “Consanguineous marriages and its impact on children’s health” which will be published by the end of 2025.