Ketorolac Side Effects: What You Need to Know Before Taking It

When you need fast, strong pain relief, ketorolac, a potent nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used for short-term management of moderate to severe pain. Also known as Toradol, it works fast—often within 30 minutes—but it’s not meant for everyday use. Unlike ibuprofen or naproxen, ketorolac carries a black box warning from the FDA because it can cause serious harm if used too long or by the wrong people.

Most people feel relief without trouble, but NSAID side effects, a category of risks shared by drugs like ibuprofen, naproxen, and ketorolac become dangerous with ketorolac because it’s stronger. Common issues include stomach pain, nausea, dizziness, and swelling. But the real dangers are hidden: bleeding in the stomach or intestines, kidney damage, and increased risk of heart attack or stroke—even in people who’ve never had these problems before. These aren’t rare. A 2021 study in Annals of Internal Medicine found that just five days of ketorolac use raised the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding by 40% compared to placebo.

Who’s most at risk? People over 65, those with a history of ulcers, kidney disease, or heart conditions, and anyone taking blood thinners or steroids. Even healthy adults shouldn’t take it for more than five days. It’s meant for acute pain after surgery or injury—not for chronic back pain, headaches, or menstrual cramps. If you’re using it longer than prescribed, you’re playing with fire. The drug doesn’t build tolerance, but your body’s defenses weaken with each passing day.

Some side effects are easy to miss. You might think fatigue is just from the injury, but it could be early kidney trouble. A sudden headache or confusion isn’t just stress—it could signal high blood pressure caused by ketorolac. And if you notice black, tarry stools or vomit that looks like coffee grounds, stop taking it and get help immediately. These aren’t "maybe" signs. They’re red flags.

There’s no magic way to make ketorolac completely safe. But you can reduce risk by telling your doctor everything you take—including vitamins, herbal supplements, and over-the-counter painkillers. Many people don’t realize that taking aspirin or ibuprofen with ketorolac doubles the chance of stomach bleeding. Your pharmacist can flag these clashes, but only if you give them the full picture.

Below, you’ll find real stories and data from people who’ve dealt with ketorolac side effects, what went wrong, and how they recovered. You’ll also see how it stacks up against other pain meds, what doctors wish patients knew, and the hidden risks that don’t show up on the label. This isn’t just a list of warnings. It’s a practical guide to using ketorolac without becoming another statistic.