Ketorolac Risks: What You Need to Know Before Taking This Pain Medication

When you’re in serious pain—after surgery, an injury, or a bad flare-up—you might be prescribed ketorolac, a potent nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug used for short-term pain relief. Also known as Toradol, it works fast and strong, but it’s not a medication you take lightly. Unlike regular painkillers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen, ketorolac is meant for brief, intense pain only. It’s not for headaches, muscle aches, or daily use. And that’s where people get hurt.

The biggest danger with ketorolac, a potent nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug used for short-term pain relief is gastrointestinal bleeding, a serious and sometimes life-threatening side effect linked to NSAIDs like ketorolac. Studies show it can cause ulcers and internal bleeding, especially after just a few days. People over 65, those with a history of stomach problems, or anyone taking blood thinners are at higher risk. It’s not a guess—it’s a documented pattern. The FDA warns it should never be used for more than five days. Yet, some patients are given prescriptions for longer, or they keep taking it because the pain hasn’t gone away. That’s when things go wrong.

Then there’s the kidney damage, a common but often overlooked risk of ketorolac use, especially in dehydrated or elderly patients. Ketorolac reduces blood flow to the kidneys. If you’re not drinking enough water, or if you’re already dealing with high blood pressure or diabetes, your kidneys can start shutting down. You might not feel it until it’s too late. And because it’s a painkiller, people assume it’s harmless—until their creatinine levels spike or they need dialysis. It’s not rare. It’s predictable.

And let’s not forget the drug interactions, how ketorolac can dangerously combine with other medications like SSRIs, anticoagulants, or other NSAIDs. Taking it with aspirin? That’s asking for trouble. Mixing it with antidepressants like fluoxetine? Higher chance of bleeding. Even common OTC pain relievers can turn a safe dose into a medical emergency. Most patients don’t realize their pharmacy’s alert system is flagging this for a reason.

You’ll find posts here that dig into exactly how ketorolac compares to other pain meds, what the real-world data says about its dangers, and how to spot early signs of trouble before it’s too late. You’ll see what doctors don’t always tell you—like why some patients get away with it while others end up in the ER. There’s no sugarcoating. This isn’t about fear. It’s about knowing what you’re signing up for when you pick up that prescription.