Uses for Toradol in Healthcare

Toradol, also known as ketorolac tromethamine, is a drug in the NSAID (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug) class. The drug is primarily used for short-term treatment of moderate to severe pain in adults. It is also used before or after medical procedures such as surgery.

You can only obtain Toradol with a prescription from your doctor, but you can take it at home without a doctor's supervision.

In addition to being available in pill form, Toradol is also sometimes injected directly into a patient's bloodstream. Toradol injections can only be administered by a healthcare professional, and they are often used to help treat severe pain in a hospitalized patient.

In this post, we'll explore the primary uses for Toradol in healthcare, as well as recommendations for dosages and safely taking the medication at home.

What Is Toradol?

While Toradol is sometimes inaccurately described as a narcotic, it's really an NSAID, which, unlike narcotics, are non-addictive. In contrast to narcotics, Toradol is not made from opium, and it is considered a safer alternative to opioids for temporary pain relief.

In most cases, Toradol is only used for short-term pain management by blocking your body’s production of certain natural substances that cause inflammation.

That means that the medication will typically only be prescribed in supplies that last for five days. However, Toradol is not suitable for long-term use, and overuse can increase the risk of potential side effects.

What Does Toradol Treat?

Toradol is primarily used as a short-term treatment for severe pain that lasts for a relatively short period of time.

Because the medication can only be used for a few days, it should not be used for mild or long-term conditions, such as chronic illnesses like ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, or arthritis.

Doctors often recommend the use of Toradol to manage pain in circumstances when a patient would otherwise take opioids.

Since opium-based drugs are potentially addictive and can lead to death in the event of an overdose, Toradol is considered a safer short-term solution.

How Do I Take Toradol?

Patients are often given an injection of Toradol while recovering from surgery or other medical procedures. Otherwise, the medication can be taken orally at home.

The use of Toradol as an outpatient, self-administered treatment allows patients to continue their recovery at home after a medical procedure. However, while it is considered safe to take Toradol at home, you should discuss any symptoms and side effects with your doctor.

Oral

Your physician will prescribe a dose specific for you and your use case, but generally, adults will take 10 mg of Toradol (one tablet) up to four times a day. For patients dealing with severe acute pain, the doctor may recommend taking two tablets each morning, then switching to one tablet per dose for the rest of the day.

Injection

Injected Toradol is typically given in doses between 15 and 30 mg. These dosages are significantly higher than what you might take for oral Toradol, and they are only administered by a health professional.

Because injectable Toradol is typically used in higher doses, your doctor will make sure to monitor you after each dose is administered. They will keep an eye out for any potential signs that your body is not responding to the injection.

What Are the Side Effects of Toradol?

Some of the most common side effects of Toradol are:

• Head and neck tension
• Nausea and other GI issues, such as indigestion, and cramps
• Feeling dizzy, disoriented, or drowsy
• Mouth sores
• Excessive sweating
• Vomiting and diarrhea

In rare cases, Toradol can cause more severe side effects, such as:

• Heart attack: It is not recommended that anyone who has recently suffered from heart failure take Toradol. In addition, patients with a history of heart disease should consult their doctor before taking any medication.
• Stroke: If you have previously experienced at least one stroke or heart attack, there is a greater risk of experiencing a stroke while taking Toradol.
• Stomach bleeding: This side effect is more common in patients who suffer from ulcers or have experienced pre-existing instances of gastrointestinal bleeding.
• Kidney problems and liver problems: In very rare cases, taking Toradol can lead to the development of kidney disease or conditions that affect your liver.

When To Seek Immediate Help

If you accidentally overdose on Toradol, it's imperative that you get medical help as fast as possible.

Some of the most common signs of a Toradol overdose may include:

• Vomit contains blood
• Tarry stools or stool that contains blood
• Coma
• Drowsiness and extreme weakness

Side effects are more likely to occur when you take Toradol alongside other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. In addition, it's never a good idea to pair Toradol with blood thinners, as there is a greater potential for drug interactions and serious side effects when the two medications are combined.

Certain factors can increase the risk of more serious side effects while taking Toradol. These include drinking alcohol, smoking, and your age. The risks of side effects are higher in patients who are 65 years of age or older.

Despite the potential for side effects, Toradol is considered safe by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), when used as directed. If you have concerns about taking Toradol, it's always wise to talk with your doctor.

Who Shouldn’t Take Toradol?

While Toradol can be very helpful when a person is experiencing intense discomfort, this medication isn't for everyone.

Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women

If you are pregnant, your doctor will likely discourage you from taking Toradol. This medication has the potential to cause harm to you and your unborn baby.

In addition, this medication has the potential to cause complications with delivery when taken after 20 weeks of pregnancy.

If you're currently breastfeeding a newborn, it is also important to avoid taking Toradol.

People Taking Other NSAIDs

Other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, including aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, and ketoprofen should not be taken with Toradol. These drugs are intended to help treat the same symptoms that Toradol targets, so they have the potential to interact with ketorolac when taken together.

It's also important to let your doctor know if you are taking any of the following medications:

• SSRIs like fluoxetine (Prozac)
• Mood stabilizers like lithium
• Anticoagulants
• ACE Inhibitors for high blood pressure

People With Bleeding Disorders

If you are considering taking Toradol for pain, make sure to let your doctor know if you have any disorder that can cause bleeding.

Since NSAIDs can increase your risk of bleeding, it's important to let your doctor know if you have ever had bleeding in your stomach or intestines, stomach ulcers, or any other form of internal bleeding (also referred to as hemorrhaging).

Your doctor will always take all the precautions necessary to keep you safe while taking Toradol. It is important to be transparent about any pre-existing conditions that could put your health at risk.

People Scheduled for Surgery

If you are currently on schedule to have surgery, it is not a good idea to take Toradol before the procedure. NSAIDs like Toradol can make you bleed more easily, which can be risky during surgeries and other invasive procedures.

People With an NSAID Allergy

If you have previously experienced allergic reactions to other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, you should not take Toradol.

As an NSAID, this medicine is likely to trigger an allergic reaction if you have previously reacted to ibuprofen, aspirin, or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

Symptoms of an allergic reaction to Toradol include swelling, a skin rash, dizziness, feeling short of breath, stomach pain, and chest pain. In some cases, Toradol can cause a severe anaphylactic reaction, which can be life-threatening.

To avoid an emergency, make sure to tell your doctor about any previous reactions to the medication before being prescribed Toradol.

Conclusion

If you're suffering from intense discomfort, talk to your healthcare provider about taking Toradol for relief. While the medication has some potential to cause side effects, it's generally considered safe and can help you manage pain when you need relief the most.

At ivee, wellness is our utmost priority. Our team consists of over 50 licensed medical professionals with dedicated Registered Nurses and specialist Providers, and our services include wellness IV therapies, some of which include a small dose of Toradol to help get you back on your feet.

Sources:

PURLs: Less is more when it comes to ketorolac for pain | NCBI

Ketorolac Injection | Medline Plus

What Are NSAIDs? | AAOS