Ketorolac 20mg

Ketorolac 20mg — Uses and Benefits

Ketorolac 20mg is mainly used to treat moderate to severe pain for a short period, often after surgery, injury, or dental procedures.

WHAT THIS MEDICINE IS USED FOR

• Short-term relief of moderate to severe acute pain
• Post-operative pain management
• Pain following dental or minor surgical procedures
• Sometimes used for severe musculoskeletal pain as advised by a doctor

HOW IT WORKS

• It blocks certain enzymes (COX-1 and COX-2) that produce prostaglandins
• Prostaglandins cause pain, inflammation, and swelling in the body
• By reducing prostaglandin levels, it lowers pain and inflammation quickly

WHAT IT IS NOT USED FOR

• Not for long-term or chronic pain conditions like arthritis
• Not for mild pain such as ordinary headache or minor body ache
• Not a first-choice medicine for fever
• Not to be used as a routine painkiller for everyday use

This medicine should only be used for the shortest possible duration and strictly under medical supervision, as it carries a higher risk of side effects compared to other painkillers.

How to Use Ketorolac 20mg

HOW TO TAKE IT

• Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor, usually for the shortest duration possible
• Take with food or milk to reduce stomach upset
• Swallow the tablet whole with water; do not crush or chew unless advised
• Do not take more than the prescribed dose or for longer than advised
• Avoid alcohol while taking this medicine as it increases stomach bleeding risk

IF YOU MISS A DOSE

• Take it as soon as you remember
• If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose
• Do not double the dose to make up for a missed one
• Since this is usually a short course, contact your doctor if you miss doses often

STORAGE

• Store at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and moisture
• Keep out of reach of children and pets
• Do not use after the expiry date printed on the pack
• Do not store in the bathroom or near a sink

Ketorolac 20mg — Side Effects

COMMON SIDE EFFECTS

• Stomach pain or discomfort
• Nausea or vomiting
• Indigestion or heartburn
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Drowsiness

LESS COMMON SIDE EFFECTS

• Diarrhoea or constipation
• Dry mouth
• Sweating
• Swelling in hands or feet
• Ringing in the ears

SERIOUS SIDE EFFECTS — STOP AND SEE A DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY

• Black or bloody stools, or vomiting blood
• Severe stomach pain
• Signs of kidney problems such as reduced urination or swelling
• Yellowing of skin or eyes
• Difficulty breathing, swelling of face or throat (allergic reaction)
• Chest pain, sudden weakness, or slurred speech
• Unusual bruising or bleeding

This is not a complete list. Report any unusual or persistent symptom to your doctor or pharmacist.

Ketorolac 20mg — Safety Information and Precautions

This medicine is available only with a valid doctor's prescription in India and should not be self-administered.

DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE IF YOU

• Are allergic to ketorolac or other NSAIDs like aspirin or ibuprofen
• Have active stomach or intestinal ulcers or bleeding
• Have severe kidney disease
• Are in labour or about to undergo surgery with high bleeding risk
• Are pregnant, especially in the last trimester, or breastfeeding
• Are already taking another NSAID or aspirin for pain

TELL YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE STARTING IF YOU

• Have a history of stomach ulcers or gastrointestinal bleeding
• Have kidney, liver, or heart disease
• Have asthma or nasal polyps
• Have high blood pressure
• Are elderly, as risk of side effects is higher
• Are on blood thinners or have a bleeding disorder

MEDICINES THAT CAN INTERACT

• Other NSAIDs or aspirin
• Blood thinners such as warfarin
• Steroids like prednisolone
• Certain blood pressure medicines (ACE inhibitors, diuretics)
• Lithium or methotrexate
• SSRIs (antidepressants)

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can I take this medicine for more than a few days?

No, this medicine is meant only for short-term use as advised by your doctor due to increased risk of stomach and kidney side effects with longer use.

Can I take painkillers like ibuprofen along with this medicine?

No, combining it with other NSAIDs increases the risk of serious side effects and should be avoided.

Is this medicine safe during pregnancy?

• No, it is generally not recommended during pregnancy, especially in the later stages, unless specifically advised by your doctor.
• Doctor ya pharmacist se salah lein.