Generic Ketorolac

Introduction

Ketorolac is a potent non‑steroidal anti‑inflammatory drug (NSAID) classified within the oxicam family. In the United Kingdom it is primarily prescribed for the short‑term management of moderate to severe acute pain, often following surgery or traumatic injury. The active compound is ketorolac tromethamine, supplied in oral tablets, injectable solution, and ophthalmic drops. It belongs to the pain‑relief medication group and is sometimes employed off‑label for postoperative inflammation control. Because it combines strong analgesic properties with a well‑characterised safety profile, ketorolac remains an important option when opioid use is undesirable.

What is Ketorolac?

Ketorolac is the generic version of the original brand Toradol, developed by Roche and later marketed by various manufacturers worldwide. Other recognised brand names include Dynastat (injectable) and Acular (ophthalmic). All formulations contain the same active compound—ketorolac tromethamine—and deliver equivalent therapeutic effects.

Ketorolac is the generic version of Toradol, containing the same active compound ketorolac. Our online pharmacy provides this generic alternative as a cost‑effective treatment option.

The drug is available in several dosage forms:

• Oral tablets (usually 10 mg) for systemic analgesia.
• Injectable solution (15 mg/mL) for intramuscular or intravenous use in hospital settings.
• Ophthalmic drops (.5 %) for postoperative eye inflammation.

In the UK, oral and injectable preparations are prescription‑only medicines (POM). They are regulated by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and must comply with the British Pharmacopoeia standards for purity and potency.

How Ketorolac Works

Ketorolac inhibits cyclo‑oxygenase (COX) enzymes 1 and 2, preventing the conversion of arachidonic acid into prostaglandins—lipid mediators that sensitize nociceptors and promote inflammation, pain, and fever. By reducing prostaglandin synthesis at the site of injury, ketorolac diminishes peripheral sensitisation and decreases central pain signalling.

Key pharmacodynamic points:

• Onset of analgesia: within 30 minutes after oral administration; 5–10 minutes intravenously.
• Peak effect: 1–2 hours (oral) or 5–10 minutes (IV/IM).
• Duration of action: approximately 4–6 hours, allowing dosing every 6 hours for most adults.
• Elimination: primarily renal excretion of unchanged drug; half‑life averages 5–6 hours in healthy adults, extending in renal impairment.

These properties make ketorolac suitable for brief, intense pain episodes where rapid relief is required.

Conditions Treated with Ketorolac

Ketorolac is approved for the following indications in the UK:

• Acute postoperative pain (e.g., after orthopaedic, abdominal, or dental surgery).
• Traumatic pain resulting from fractures, sprains, or severe soft‑tissue injuries.
• Renal colic where NSAID therapy is indicated as part of multimodal pain control.
• Acute migraine attacks (off‑label, when triptans are contraindicated).

Epidemiological relevance:

• In England, over 1.5 million surgical procedures are performed annually that may generate moderate to severe postoperative pain.
• The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommends short‑course NSAIDs, including ketorolac, as part of multimodal analgesia to minimise opioid consumption.

Ketorolac’s efficacy stems from its strong COX inhibition, delivering analgesia comparable to moderate doses of opioids but without the risks of dependence or respiratory depression.

Who is Ketorolac For?

Ketorolac is most appropriate for adult patients (≥ 18 years) who require rapid, short‑term relief from moderate to severe acute pain and for whom NSAID therapy is not contraindicated. Typical clinical scenarios include:

• Post‑surgical patients staying in hospital for ≤ 5 days.
• Emergency‑department attendees with painful musculoskeletal injuries.
• Patients with opioid‑sparing goals, such as the elderly or those with a history of opioid misuse.

Contra‑indications and cautionary groups:

• Renal insufficiency (creatinine clearance < 30 mL/min).
• Uncontrolled hypertension or severe cardiovascular disease.
• History of gastrointestinal ulceration or bleeding.
• Pregnancy (especially third trimester) and breast‑feeding.
• Concurrent use of other NSAIDs, anticoagulants, or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which heighten bleeding risk.

In such cases, alternative analgesics or dose adjustments must be considered.

Risks, Side Effects, and Interactions

Common

• Dyspepsia, nausea, or abdominal discomfort.
• Headache or dizziness.
• Mild elevation of serum creatinine.

Rare

• Skin rash, photosensitivity, or mild pruritus.
• Transient elevation of liver enzymes (ALT/AST).

Serious

• Gastrointestinal bleeding, perforation, or ulceration.
• Acute renal failure, especially in dehydrated patients.
• Severe hypersensitivity reactions (anaphylaxis, Stevens‑Johnson syndrome).
• Cardiovascular events such as myocardial infarction or stroke, particularly with prolonged use or high‑risk patients.

Clinically Relevant Drug–Drug Interactions

• Anticoagulants (warfarin, direct oral anticoagulants): additive bleeding risk.
• Other NSAIDs or COX‑2 inhibitors: increased gastrointestinal toxicity.
• ACE inhibitors, ARBs, diuretics: may impair renal function when combined.
• Lithium: reduced renal clearance of lithium, risking toxicity.
• Methotrexate: decreased clearance, prompting potential toxicity.

Patients should disclose all current medications, including over‑the‑counter supplements, before initiating ketorolac.

Practical Use: Dosing, Missed Dose, Overdose

Standard oral dosing for adults:

• 10 mg every 6 hours as needed, not to exceed 40 mg per day.
• Treatment duration should not surpass 5 days.

Injectable dosing (IV/IM):

• 15 mg loading dose (if naïve) followed by 15 mg every 6 hours, max 60 mg per day.
• Same 5‑day limitation applies.

Missed dose:

• If a dose is missed and the next scheduled dose is more than 6 hours away, take the missed dose.
• If the next dose is due within 2 hours, skip the missed dose to avoid exceeding the dosing interval.

Overdose management:

• Symptoms may include severe gastrointestinal bleeding, renal failure, or central nervous system depression.
• Immediate medical attention is essential. Activated charcoal may be considered if presentation is within 1 hour of ingestion.
• Supportive care (hydration, monitoring of renal function, and gastric protection) is standard.

Precautions:

• Take with food or a full glass of water to reduce gastrointestinal irritation.
• Avoid alcohol, which can worsen GI bleeding and renal effects.
• Do not combine with other NSAIDs, aspirin, or blood‑thinning agents unless directed by a clinician.
• Patients with chronic heart failure should be monitored closely for fluid retention.

Buying Ketorolac from Our Online Pharmacy

Ketorolac can be purchased safely from our online pharmacy in the UK. Our service offers several advantages for patients seeking reliable access to this medication:

Affordable pricing: We source generic ketorolac directly from licensed manufacturers, delivering costs close to the wholesale level.

• Verified quality: Every batch undergoes strict quality‑control checks in compliance with MHRA guidance, ensuring potency and purity.
• Guaranteed delivery: Discreet, tracked shipping is available; express delivery typically arrives within 7 days, while standard airmail may take up to 3 weeks.
• International access: As a pharmacy broker service, we collaborate with overseas licensed pharmacies, expanding the range of medications unavailable locally.
• Privacy‑focused handling: Orders are packaged without branding, and personal data is protected through end‑to‑end encryption.

For individuals who encounter limited stock, high retail margins, or insurance restrictions, our online pharmacy provides a secure, cost‑effective alternative to obtain ketorolac.

FAQ

• Is Ketorolac available in both tablet and injection forms in the UK?
  Yes, ketorolac is marketed as oral tablets (10 mg) and as an injectable solution (15 mg/mL). Both formulations are prescription‑only medicines and are regulated by the MHRA.

• Does ketorolac require refrigeration?
  No, standard oral tablets and injectable vials are stable at room temperature (15‑30 °C). Only the ophthalmic drops may need to be stored away from direct heat and light, but refrigeration is not required.

• What does the packaging of ketorolac look like when ordered online?
  Tablets are supplied in sealed blister packs containing typically 20 or 30 tablets. Injectable vials are packaged in tamper‑evident foil pouches, each holding a single 5 mL vial. Our online pharmacy ensures that packaging is discreet and complies with UK import regulations.

• Can Ketorolac be legally imported for personal use in the UK?
  Personal import of a prescription‑only medicine is permitted when a valid prescription from a UK‑registered prescriber is provided. Our pharmacy assists with the necessary documentation to meet UK customs requirements.

• Are there specific warnings for patients of Asian descent?
  Some studies suggest a higher incidence of NSAID‑related gastric irritation in Asian populations. Clinicians may recommend prophylactic proton‑pump inhibitors or consider lower initial dosing in these patients.

• How does the UK formulation differ from US or EU versions?
  The active ingredient is identical across regions, but excipients may vary. UK tablets often contain lactose, microcrystalline cellulose, and magnesium stearate, whereas US tablets may use different binders. Such differences rarely affect efficacy but can be relevant for individuals with specific allergies.

• Is ketorolac safe to use while travelling internationally?
  Yes, provided it is kept in its original packaging, stored at room temperature, and accompanied by a copy of the prescription. Travelers should be aware of local regulations, as some countries classify ketorolac differently.

• Can ketorolac affect laboratory drug‑testing results?
  Routine urine drug screens do not detect NSAIDs. However, very high concentrations may cause false‑positive results for certain immunoassays; confirmatory testing can resolve any uncertainty.

• What is the historical significance of ketorolac’s development?
  Ketorolac was first synthesised in the 197s by Roche and introduced as an injectable analgesic. Its potent COX inhibition distinguished it from earlier NSAIDs, leading to its rapid adoption for acute postoperative pain control.

• How does ketorolac compare with ibuprofen for acute pain?
  Ketorolac has a stronger analgesic effect, roughly equivalent to moderate‑dose opioids, and a faster onset when given intravenously. Ibuprofen is generally milder and suitable for longer‑term, less intense pain, whereas ketorolac is reserved for short, severe pain episodes.

• Are there any known drug‑testing implications for athletes?
  Ketorolac is not listed on the World Anti‑Doping Agency (WADA) prohibited list. However, athletes should retain documentation of medical use, as some sports organisations may request evidence for NSAID consumption.

• What are the inactive ingredients in the UK oral tablets?
  Common excipients include lactose monohydrate, microcrystalline cellulose, sodium starch glycolate, and magnesium stearate. These aid tablet compression, disintegration, and stability.

• Is ketorolac suitable for patients with mild asthma?
  NSAIDs can precipitate bronchospasm in aspirin‑sensitive asthmatics. Patients with a known NSAID‑exacerbated respiratory disease should avoid ketorolac and discuss alternative analgesics with their clinician.

Glossary

Cyclo‑oxygenase (COX)

An enzyme that converts arachidonic acid into prostaglandins, which mediate inflammation, pain, and fever.

Prostaglandins

Lipid compounds that act locally to sensitize nerves to pain and promote inflammation; they are reduced by NSAIDs.

Half‑life

The time required for the plasma concentration of a drug to decrease by 50 %; helps determine dosing intervals.

Renal clearance

The volume of plasma from which a drug is completely removed by the kidneys per unit time; important for dosing in impaired kidney function.

⚠️ Disclaimer

The information provided about Ketorolac is for general knowledge only. It does not replace professional medical consultation. All treatment decisions should be made under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider. We assume all readers are responsible adults capable of making informed decisions about their health. Our online pharmacy offers access to Ketorolac for individuals who may have limited availability through traditional pharmacies, prescription‑based insurance schemes, or who are seeking affordable generic alternatives. Always consult your doctor before starting, changing, or discontinuing any medication.