Ketorolac Pros and Cons: What You Need to Know Before Taking It

When you need fast, strong pain relief—like after surgery or a serious injury—ketorolac, a potent nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used for short-term pain management. Also known as Toradol, it works faster and harder than ibuprofen or naproxen, but it’s not meant for everyday aches. Unlike regular painkillers, ketorolac is usually given in a doctor’s office or hospital because it carries real risks if used too long or too often.

It’s a powerful tool, but like any strong tool, it has limits. The nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, a class of medications that reduce inflammation and pain by blocking certain enzymes. Also known as NSAID, it family includes common drugs like aspirin and celecoxib, but ketorolac is one of the strongest in this group. That’s why it’s only approved for up to five days of use. Longer use raises your chance of stomach bleeding, kidney damage, or even heart problems. You won’t find it on pharmacy shelves without a prescription because the FDA and doctors treat it like a controlled weapon—not a daily remedy.

People often turn to ketorolac when other painkillers fail. It’s common after dental surgery, broken bones, or C-sections. But if you’ve ever had a stomach ulcer, kidney disease, or are on blood thinners, it could be dangerous. Even healthy people can get hit with nausea, dizziness, or swelling if they take it too long. And mixing it with other NSAIDs—like taking Advil while on ketorolac—is a mistake many make without realizing it.

What you gain in quick pain relief, you risk losing in long-term safety. That’s why the real value of ketorolac isn’t in using it often—it’s in using it smart. A single dose after a procedure can mean the difference between lying still and getting up to walk. But if you’re still hurting after five days, the answer isn’t more ketorolac—it’s finding out why the pain won’t quit.

The posts below give you real, practical insights into how ketorolac stacks up against other pain meds, what side effects actually happen in real patients, and how to talk to your doctor about when it’s worth the risk. You’ll see what works, what doesn’t, and what most people miss when they think it’s just another pill.