Toradol (ketorolac): fast pain relief and what to watch for

Toradol is the brand name for ketorolac, a strong nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used for short-term moderate-to-severe pain. It works fast and is often given in ERs or after surgery instead of opioids. That speed is useful, but Toradol carries real risks—so it’s meant for short courses only.

How Toradol is used and typical doses

Toradol comes as an injection (IV or IM) and an oral tablet. Common dosing many clinicians use: a single IV dose of 30 mg or a single IM dose of 60 mg for initial pain control. Oral ketorolac tablets are usually 10 mg every 4–6 hours as needed, with a typical maximum of 40 mg per day for oral use. For parenteral (IV/IM) therapy, total daily doses commonly should not exceed about 120 mg. Most importantly: total combined use (injection + oral) should not go past 5 days because of rising risk for bleeding and kidney problems.

Warnings, side effects, and safe use

Don’t use Toradol if you have active bleeding, a bleeding disorder, recent major surgery (especially heart surgery), peptic ulcer disease, or severe kidney disease. It’s also not for the third trimester of pregnancy. Common side effects include stomach pain, indigestion, nausea, dizziness, and drowsiness. Serious problems can include gastrointestinal bleeding, kidney injury, and severe allergic reactions.

Toradol interacts with blood thinners (warfarin, DOACs), SSRIs and SNRIs (higher bleeding risk), ACE inhibitors and ARBs (kidney effects), diuretics, lithium, and methotrexate. If you’re on any of these, tell your provider before getting Toradol.

Practical tips: use the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible time. If you get it by injection, expect staff to monitor you after the dose. Take oral tablets with food to lower stomach upset. Avoid alcohol while taking Toradol—alcohol raises bleeding risk.

Alternatives include acetaminophen for mild-to-moderate pain, over-the-counter NSAIDs like ibuprofen or naproxen for inflammation (but those have some of the same risks), topical NSAIDs for localized pain, or opioids when appropriate for severe pain under close supervision.

Call your doctor or go to the ER if you notice black or bloody stools, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, new or worsening shortness of breath, chest pain, severe stomach pain, sudden swelling, rash, or if you make much less urine than usual. For older adults and people with kidney issues, providers often pick other pain options or lower the dose.

If you’re offered Toradol, ask how long the course will last, whether it mixes with your other meds, and what monitoring is needed. Short-term use can be very effective, but safety matters—know the signs that need urgent care.